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TRABITIONS AND EEllNlSCENCES, 



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TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES 



CHIEFLY OF THE 



AIERICAI REYOLUTIOI^ 

m THE SOUTH:: 



IIVCLUDING 



!]IOGRAPHIGAL SKETCHES, mCIDEJS'TS AND ANECDOTES, 

FEW OF WHICH HAVF. BFEN PUBLISHED, 

PARTICULARLY OF RESIDENTS IN THE 
UPPER COUNTRY. 



JOSEPH JOHNSON, M.D. 

Of 




CHARLESTON, S. C. : 

WALKER & JAMES. 

1851. 



\ 






to?^ '^ 



Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1831, 

BY JOSEPH JOHNSON, M. D. 

In the Clerk's office of the District Court for the District of Soutli-Carolina. 



CHARLESTON, S.C: 

STEAM POWER-PRESS OF WALKER & JAMES, 
No. 101 East-Bay. 



PREFACE. 



As I advance in years, I am sensible that my memory 
is failing me as to recent events, but not as to what I 
heard and saw in my youth. The remembrance of such 
occurrences, even in my childhood, is still vividly im- 
pressed on my mind, particularly of such as were con- 
nected with the Revolution. This partial failure of 
memory is but a gradual decline of my mental facul- 
ties, and reminds me that those incidents and facts 
which I now remember, may soon be forgotten in " the 
down hill of life." 

My seniors and cotemporaries are also falling off 
rapidly, and in a few years little or nothing could be 
collected of the many interesting scenes and events, 
which may still be preserved by committiug them to 
paper. Occurrences which escaped the recording pens 
of historians, or w'ere considered by them compara- 
tively unimportant, too local or too individual for a 
place in general history, may even now interest our 
reading community. 

Historians of the iVmerican Revolution all lived on 
or near the sea coast — many of the sturdy sons of the 
forest were therefore unknown to them, and the daring 
acts and patriotic sufferings of such worthy persons 
have never been written or published. Most of these 
collections are derived from the families or connections 
of the parties, and many of them from documents 
which may still be seen ; some of them from tradi- 



VI PREFACE. 

tions — traditions from the lips of our parents and 
friends, whose memories we venerate ; and I transmit 
my collections to any who may have a curiosity to know 
some of the past events. 

" I still had hopes ■ 

* * * ■!: ifc * 

Around my fire an evening group to draw, 
'And t!fell of all I heard — of all I saw." — Goldsmith. 

My children, too, may have some curiosity to hear 
the traditions of their own family, and of the exciting 
scenes in the American Revolution in which they and 
their countrymen struggled and suffered together. I 
will, therefore, endeavor, by occasional biographical 
sketches, incidents and anecdotes, to elucidate some of 
the public events imperfectly described, or not record- 
ed in history. Personal incidents being thus interwo- 
ven with -political and public transactions, will, I trust, 
be a relief to the narrative, without distracting or fa- 
tiguing the attention of readers. 

Some of the following articles I have republished 
from newspapers and periodicals, where I considered 
them worthy of again being brought before the pub- 
lic, and of being more durably preserved in a book. 
For others I am indebted to friends who have kindly 
aided me with information and narratives. To these I 
return my thanks, and especially to the 

Hon. a. p. BUTLER. 

Hon. JOHN P. RICHARDSON. 

Hon. J. B. O'NEALL. 

Dr. a. L. HAMMOND, late of Augusta. 

Mrs. MARY BROUN, of Charleston. 

Mr. I. K. TEFFT, of Savannah. 



INTRODUCTION. 



The people of these then Provinces were mostly 
emigrants from England, or were the children of such 
emigrants, w^ho, claiming the rights of British subjects, 
taught them to their descendants. They who could 
afford it, sent their sons home to England for their 
education, who thus became confirmed in the rights, 
privileges, and duties of British subjects ; many sent 
their daughters also. Each Province being chartered 
by the British Crown, with the exclusive right to raise 
all their own taxes, by their own Delegates in their 
Provincial Assemblies, the inhabitants were ev«r on 
the alert to oppose all other exactions. 

The British government made numerous attempts of 
this kind, which excited discussion and opposition in 
public and private circles ; so that all persons, even of 
moderate education, were well informed on those sub- 
jects. In Marshall's Life of Washington, vol. i, in Ste- 
vens' Georgia Historical Collections, and in other his- 
tories, are various records stated of legislative provis- 
ions, remonstrances and resolutions against such pro- 
ceedings. These, we believe, commenced in Virginia, 
were continued at intervals by other Provinces ; and 
the public mind was kept alive to the discussion 
by the memorials of Dr. Franklin and other Provin- 
cial Agents, sent for that purpose as charge d''affairs^ 
residing in England ; also by the publication of their 
correspondence and comments, in the public papers, on 



Vlll INTRODUCTION. 

the claims and grievances comj^lained of by the colo- 
nists. Among these were the able letters of Dr. Frank- 
lin to Gov. Shirley, which a parliamentary Avriter de- 
clared to be so full and conclusive, that scarcely any 
thing new against the right of Taxation could be ad- 
duced after these. But these, too, were forgotten or 
overlooked in the excitements of war and changes in 
the Ministry .or their measures. 

In South-Carolina the opposition to these measures 
was always kept up against their constitutionality ; but 
on the question of expediency the mother-country had 
the power to decide, and the colonists had not the 
power to resist. 



TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES. 



CHAPTER I. 

Culpepper's Insurrection in Albemarle — Dr. Hugh Williamson — Sepa- 
ration of North from South-Carolina — Dispute between Gov. Boone 
of South-Carolina and the Assembly — Stamp Act and Commotions 
in South-Carolina — Col. Henry Laurens — Death of Miss Davis — 
Capt. Daniel Curling — Congress of 1765 in New- York — Liberty 
Tree and its Confederates — First Funerals without Mourning — Gen. 
Christopher Gadsden. 

To the exaction of a tax on tobacco in 1677, forcible 
resistance was made in tlie northern part of Carolina, 
fifty-two yeai'S before its separation into North and 
South-Carolina, and one hundred years before the 
general American Revolution. This epitome of that 
revolution commenced in Albemarle, with John Cul- 
pepper at its head, who was Surveyor Greneral of the 
Province, and member of its Legislature. It was in 
opposition to a tax of two pence on each pound of 
tobacco, sold to any one who did not ship it to Eng- 
land ; thus giving England a monopoly of the tobacco 
trade, excluding even the colonists from jjuying to- 
bacco even for their own use, except at a higher price 
than was paid by other British subjects, and extorting, 
at the same time, an unconstitutional tax from Ameri- 
can subjects. 

Culpepper and his associates seized Miller — the col- 
lector — took all the money that he had received in this 
office, and used it equitably in preserving the peace 
and defraying the exj^enses of his little State of Albe- 
marle. The country prospered astonishingly in the 
actual enjoyment of free trade, during the three fol- 
lowing years ; and the merchants of Boston, promptly 
availing themselves of the opportunity, carried on a 
brisk and profitable trade with Albemarle. The gov- 



2 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

ernraent being strong in Virginia and Maryland, the 
people were compelled to pay the tax, but clamored 
loudly. They demanded that they also should be 
exempt from the tax, or that their nearest neighbors 
of Albemarle should be compelled to pay it also. 

Culpepper, finding that preparations were set on foot 
to crush his little sovereignty, went to England, and 
appealed to the throne for justice to his people, by a 
repeal of the tax, and mercy to himself for resisting 
the royal authority. He was there arrested, and about 
to be tried for high treason; l)ut when the ministry 
found that he would defend himself, by proving that 
their enaction was illegal, and that he was justified in 
resisting it, they shrank from the investigation, and 
Lord Shaftsbury contrived to hush up the question, 
lest it should be taken up by the House of Commons, 
and im])air the influence and duration of his ministry. 
He alleged that the laws of England had not yet been 
extended to this remote and obscure portion of Ame- 
rica. But, if not extended, by what authority did his 
collector — Miller — extort upwards of <£3,000 sterling 



PLAN OF CHARLESTON 

AS LAID OUT BY JOHN CULPEPPER, IN 1680, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND 
FORTIFICATIONS IN 1704, BY EDWARD CRISP. 



A Granville's Bastion, 

B Craven's do. 

C Carteret's do. 

D Colleton do. 

E Ashley do. 

F Blake's do. 

G Half Moon do. 

H Drawbridge, 

I Johnson's, 

K Drawbridge, 

L Palisades, 

M Rhett's Bridge, 

N K. L. Smith's Bridge, 

O Minister's House, 

P English Church, 

Q French do. 

R Independ. do. 

S Anabaptist Church, 



T Quaker Meeting House, 

V Court of Guards, 

W First Rice Patch in Carolina, 

1 Pasquero and Garret's house, 

2 Landsack's do. 

3 John Crosskey's do. 

4 Chevalier's do. 

5 Geo. Logan's do. 

6 Poinsett's do. 

7 Elicott's do. 

8 Starling's do. 

9 M. Boone's do. 

10 Tradd's do. 

11 Nat. Law's do. 

12 Landgrave Smith's do. 

13 Col. Rhett's do. 

14 Ben. Skenkiug's do. 

15 Sindery's do. 




COOrER RIVER 






THE AMERICAN EE VOLUTION. 



from tlie people of Albemarle ? If collected without 
law, why did he not arrest Miller, and try him for ille- 
gal practices ?* 

Culpepper immediately returned to Carolina, and, in 
the year 1680, laid out the original streets of Charles- 
ton, running from south to north, intersected by others 
from east to west, at right angles.f 

That the ministerial party should abuse Culpepper, 
might be expected, and not injure him ; but that Ame- 
rican writers should join in" the outcry, without due in- 
vestigation, is to be regretted. Even Dr. Hugh Wil- 
liamson, a man of talents and a patriot, has fallen into 
this error. Dr. Williamson, the historian of North- 
Carolina, was the gentleman who obtained for Dr. 
Franklin the original letters of Gov. Hutchinson, of 
Massachusetts, and of Oliver, the Lieut. Governor, to 
the British ministiy, advising hostilities against the 
people of America. He was then in London, engaged 
in scientific investiga'f'ions, and had observed a chamber 
or office in which colonial paj^ers were kept for future 
reference. Concluding that the reported letters were 
probably there, he went, in the character of a messen- 
ger from the head of one of the departments, and 
called for the letters last received from Hutchinson 
and Oliver. They were handed to him, without sus- 
picion, and immediately put by him into the hands of 
Dr. Franklin. Early the next morning. Dr. William- 
son was the bearer of these despatches, and at sea, 
crossing over to Holland, on his way to America. 
This transaction gave rise to the violent philippic of 
Mr. Wedderburn, (afterwards Lord Loughsborough,) 
against Dr. Franklin, which has always been consi- 
dered one of the most finished specimens of declama- 
tion in the English language. 

* See Chalmer's Political Annals, p. 560, also Carroll's Collections, 
vol. ii., p. 340. 

f The first buildings erected in Charleston were irregularly built and 
inclosed. On that part of it, appropriately callfd Zig Zag Alley, be- 
tween Atlantic and Water Streets, the cows, as Knickerbocker says, had 
laid out the lines of that alley. 



/ 



4 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

The separation of North from South-Carolina is an 
era in their history. This separation was officially 
ordered in 1729, but not effected until IT 32. The 
line was not run until 1735, and then very incorrectly 
executed. In 1763, instructions w^re received from 
the king for a re-survey, which, when completed, gave 
South-Carolina several of her best districts. These, 
previous to their being sub-divided, were known only 
by tiie aggregate name of " new acquisition." Ches- 
ter District was certainly a part of it. After the re- 
volution, another error was discovered, and repeatedly 
discussed with some warmth by the Governors of the 
two States. The tax collectors of both States con- 
tended for the right to extend each his warrants over 
the disjDuted portion of country, and the inhabitants 
refused to pay either, until the doubt was settled. It 
was finally adjusted about the year 1801, during the 
first administration of Gov. John Drayton. 

To commemorate the separation of the northern 
from the southern part of the Province, a silver medal 
was struck in the year 1736, by order of the North- 
Carolina Legislature, only one of which is now known 
to us. This was found in a neglected cabinet in Phila- 
delphia, in the year 1845, and a copy of it obtained in 
type metal by Dr. Blanding, late of Camden, South- 
Carolina, and sent to his nephew, Captain William 
Blanding, of Charleston. 





The oT)verse represents Caroline, Queen of George 
II., with a sceptre in her right hand ; watering, with 



\ 



THE AMERICAN EEYOLUTION. 5 

lier left, a grove of young palmettos. Her figure di- 
vides these palmettos into two parts, representing the 
two Carolinas. The exergue is, " Caroline protecting," 
1736, and over all, the words, " Growing arts adorn 
empire." The reverse represents George II., in the 
costume of Minerva — goddess of all the liberal arts 
and sciences — leaning on a spear in his right hand, at 
the foot of which, and behind him, are grounded the 
implements of war, — as the shield, helmet, sword, 
quiver, lance, standard, tfec, over which the laurel 
waves, emblematic of victory. In his left hand, the 
palm leaf, (the emblem of constancy, faithfulness, pa- 
tience and triumph,) waving over the emblem of the 
arts, represented by a globe, scroll, pallet and brushes, 
volumes, bust, &c., crowned with an olive branch. 

EXEEGIJE. 

"GEORGE REIGNING." 

And over all, in the l)order, 

" BOTH HANDS FILLED FOR BRITAIN." 



DISPUTE BETWEEN HIS EXCELLENCY, THOMAS BOONE, THE 

GOVERNOR OF SOUTH-CAROLINA, AND THE 

HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY. 

In a MS. record by Christopher Gadsden, we find a 
message from Governor Thomas Boone, of South-Caro- 
lina, to the Assembly of that Province, dated 19th 
March, 1762, objecting to the election law of 1721, 
and recommending " a new law as absolutely neces- 
sary." This message was immediately committed, with 
due deference and respect to the ofiicer from whom it 
was received. On the 23d of the same month, the 
committee reported ; on the 24th, the Assembly dis- 
cussed the report, and adopted the following message 
to the Governor : 

" May it please your Excellency — This House having fully considered 
the election act now in force, and not knowing, or having heard, of any 
bad consequences from the method thereby directed, for issuing and 
executing writs of election, are of opinion that it is not necessary, at 
this time, to alter that law in those respects." By order of the House. 

B. SMITH, Speaker. 



t 



6 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

Subsequent to this, a writ of election was issued to 
the church wardens in St. Paul's Parish, for the elec- 
tion of a member to represent that Parish in the As- 
sembly, and a return made by them, that Christopher 
Gadsden was duly elected. It then is stated that the 
House sanctioned the election, that Mr. Gadsden was 
qualified before them, on the 13th September, 1762, 
and, by their order, went with two of their members, 
Mr. Bee and Mr. Sommers, to see that he takes before 
the Governor the required state oaths — one of which 
was for allegiance to Great Britain, the other disclaim- 
ing the right of the Pretender's family to the throne. 
The Governor refused to administer the state oaths to 
Mr. Gadsden, and summoned the whole Assembly to 
meet him in his council chamber. 

He there objected to the election of Mr. Gadsden, 
because the church wardens had not been sworn pre- 
vious to that ])avticular election. It appeared, how- 
ever, that the church wardens had taken an oath, 
when elected to that office, that they would duly exe- 
cute the duties of that office, of which holding these 
elections was a part. The Governor not only refused 
to admit the election of Mr. Gadsden, but dissolv^ed 
the House of Assembly for their late contumacy. 

In the ensuing winter a new election was held, and 
a new Assembly convened, of which Christopher Gads- 
den was again elected a member. Their first act was 
a remonstrance presented to the Governor, against his 
late dissolution of that body, dated 4th December, 1742, 
declaring that it would tend to deprive that House of a 
most essential privilege — that of solely determining 
the validity of the election of their own members, and 
productive of the most dangerous consequences. They 
likewise enclosed the report of their committee on the 
subject, with the following resolutions : 

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee, that the power of 
examining and determining the logaHty and validity of all elections of 
members, to service in the Commons House of Assembly of this Pro- 
vince, is solely and absolutely in, and of right doth belong to, and is 
inseparable from, the representatives of the people met in General 
Assembly. 



\ 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTIOI^. 7 

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committe', that the Gover- 
nor cannot constitutionally take notice of any thing said or done in the 
Commons House of Assembly, but by their report; and that his cen- 
suring their proceedings is contrary to the usage and custom of Par- 
liament. 

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee, that Christopher 
Gadsden, Esq., having been declared by the last Commons House of As- 
sembly a member thereof, duly elected, and having taken therein the pro- 
per qualification oath, his Excellency the Governor's refusal, when re- 
quested by message from that House, to administer to him the state 
oaths required by law, in order to enable him to take his seat therein, 
was a breach of their privilege. 

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee, that the abrupt 
and sudden dissolution of the last Assembly, for matters only cogniza- 
ble by tlie Commons House, was a most precipitate, unadvised, unpre- 
cedented procedure, of the most dangerous consequence, being a great 
violation of the freedom of elections, and having a manifest tendency 
to subvert and destroy the most essential and invaluable rights of the 
people, and reduce the power and authority of the House to an abject 
dependence on, and subserviency to, the will and opinion of the Gov- 
ernor. 

On tlie 16th December, 1762, it was also resolved in 
the House, 

That his Excellency the Governor, by having repeatedly and con- 
temptuously denied the just claims of this House, (solely to examine 
and determine the validity of the election of their own members,) hath 
violated the rights and privileges of the Commons House of Assembly 
of this Province. 

Resolved, That this House (having ineffectually applied to his Excel- 
lency for satisfaction for the breach of privilege) will not enter into any 
further business with him, until his Excellency shall have done justice 
to this House in this important point. 

South-Carolina, like the other Provinces, had an 
agent resident in London, for the purpose of repre- 
senting the interests of their Province on all occasions, 
and of presenting to the proper departments of the 
British government any communications that he may 
be instructed to make to the ministry, to 'their officers 
or committee of the colonial department, and to the 
other resident agents of the other Provinces, Also to 
execute any other instructions that may be sent to 
him. At this time Mr. Charles Garth was the resi- 
dent agent of South-Carolina. 



8 TIIADITIOyS AXD EE:MIXISCE^'CES OF 

The Assembly appoiuted a numerous committee to 
address and corres])ond with Mr. Garth on this sub- 
ject, statinof the particulars of their dispute with 
Governor Boone, inclosino: the documents and eviden- 
ces in their cause, with the 2:rounds of their complaint. 
They did so, and instructed him to print the whole 
dispute, and submit it to the British ministry, ]\Ir 
Garth did as instructed, and a copy of this printed 
statement has been preserved by Christopher Gadsden 
and his descendants, and is now before me after a 
lapse of 88 years. As far as I have been able to dis- 
cover, this is the only copy. From these it ajipears 
that the House also ordered, on the IGth December, 
1762, their proceedings in this case to be published in 
both the gazettes of this Province. They were accord- 
ingly pul)lished, and may be seen in the Charleston 
Library, in the South-Carolina Gazette, at the dates 
above mentioned. 

On the 13tli September, 1763, the Assembly adopt- 
ed an address to his majesty, stating their unhappy 
difficulties with the Governor, showing that his assum- 
ed power of interfering in their popular elections 
would not only violate the charter of the Province, 
under which they were prospering and happy, but 
would be destructive of their personal rights as British 
subjects. This address was forAvarded to their agent, 
Mr. Garth, and presented with the documents at a 
meeting of the British ministry, and by them referred 
to their committee on the plantations. 

The House still adhered to their resolution of hav- 
ing nothing more to do with Governor Boone ; laid 
all his messages and recommendations on the table, 
refused to pass a Tax Bill or appropriate money for 
the salaries of all officers, including the Governor, and 
not excepting their faithful agent, Mr. Garth. 

At these proceedings the Governor was much irri- 
tated. It was the custom of all pro\nncial agents to 
inclose their communications for the Leo-i^Iatures to 
the Governors, sealed and directed. Governor Boone, 



\ 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 9 

contrary to usage, l>roke ojjen tlie seal, and then sent 
the letter of Mr. Garth with an abrupt message: no 
other letters of course came through this channel to or 
from the committee of correspondence. 

On the 17th September, 17 ft^^, Mr. Gadsden report- 
ed to the House, that in obedience to their order, Mr. 
Moultrie and himself attended Sir John Colleton, to 
see him take the state oaths before the Governor at 
his own house, when Sir John Colleton, in their 
presence, informed his Excellency that he had taken 
the usual qualification oath in the House, and desired 
his Excellency to administer the state oaths to him. 
Whereupon his Excellency v\'as pleased to a.sk Mr. 
Gadsden and Mr. Moultrie, if tiiey had any message 
to deliver to him from the Assembly. Mr. Gadsden 
then answered that he and Mr. Moultrie attended Sir 
John Colleton by order of the House, to see him take 
the state oaths. Plis Excellency replied that the 
House had no right to order any person into his 
dwelling house, and thereujKjn called his servant to 
open the door for Mr. Gadsden and Mr. Moultrie; 
at the same time taking Sir John Colleton by the 
sleeve, and saying that if he had any business, he (his 
Excellency) was ready to transact it with him. 
Whereu[)on Mr. Gadsden and Mr. Moultrie bowed 
and retired. The Governor literally showed them the 
door. 

Sir John Colleton then attended and stated that 
the Governor had administered to him the state 
oaths; but the usual evidence in such cases was want- 
ing. The House therefore sent for the clerk of the 
crown to bring with him the roll, whereon were 
recorded the names of those who had taken the state 
oaths. The clerk attended but without the roll, as he 
had given it up to the Governor, with the power to 
administer such oaths. Sir John Colleton was admit- 
ted to his seat on his own testimony. 

The House then sent for the treasurer with his 
books, to show the accounts of the public creditors 



10 TRADITIONS AND REillNISCENCES OF 

and funds: the treasurer attended, but stated that the 
papers had been dehvered up to the Governor by his 
written order dated the 5th inst. 

Four other members of Assembly being duly elect- 
ed, and having qualified before the House, were sent 
by its order, with Mr. Parsons and Sir John Colleton, 
to witness their taking the state oaths before the 
Governor. They returned, saying that they had gone 
accordingly, but that the Governor had refused, 
saying that he would not take any man's word, but 
would send for the journal and see, and then act as he 
should think proper. Whereupon, resolved in the 
House of Assembly, "That his Excellency the Gov- 
ernor, by his treatment of the members of this House, 
who waited upon him yesterday, to see several gentle- 
men, duly returned members of this House, take the 
state oaths, hath been guilty of new insults to, and 
breach of the privileges of this House." 

Letters were now received from the agent in Eng- 
land, saying that he had called to inquire if any thing 
had been done in the dispute between the Governor 
and the Assembly, but was told that they could not 
decide on their ex parte statement, but had sent to 
Governor Boone leave of absence that he might come 
to England and be heard. This was very proper; 
the committee una-sked^ gave^ very politely, permission 
for Governor Boone to return to England, that he 
might be heard, but the Governor would not then 
accept the invitation, and they expecting him, would 
not proceed in the investigation. 

On the 6th January, "l764, Thos. Smith and Mr. 
Brailsford having l)een elected members of the House, 
were qualified there, and sent with Mr. Pinckney and 
Mr. Drayton, to take the state oaths before the 
Governor. Whereupon the oaths were administered 
and the declaration signed ; the Governor having 
ceased to make objections as of late. A motion was 
therefore offered, "That the resolution of the 16th 
December, 1762, to do no more business with his 
Excellency the Governor, and the several subsequent 



THE AlVfERICAN REVOLUTION. 11 

resolutions tliereupon made and entered into, be 
vacated and discliarged. " But this was negatived, 
probably because Governor Boone had not made any 
acknowledgment of mistake, regret, &c., or given any 
declaration that he would not resume the offensive 
measures. Another meeting of the Assembly was 
then convened by Governor Boone, early in May, 
1764, but as the House continued firm in their non- 
intercourse with him, although he had become more 
accommodating, he availed himself of his leave of 
absence, and sailed for England about the middle 
of May. 

Lieutenant Governor Wm. Bull, his successor, then 
addressed the Assembly, and harmony was immedi- 
ately re-established between the Legislature and the 
Executive; the liabilities of the Province paid, and 
peace established in South-Carolina. But not so in 
England as to South-Carolina's aifairs. 

On the arrival of Governor Boone in England, he 
had the address, before the board of trade and planta- 
tions, b}^ exhibiting his repeated addresses to the 
Assembly, urging them to pro\'ide for the Huguenots, 
as instructed by the king ; to protect the frontier 
settlers from the Indians ; and to make appropriations 
for the public creditors ; that the House had taken 
unreasonable offence at his being thus urgent in the 
duties of his office ; that his zeal in executing the 
instructions of this board, and the commands of his 
majesty, while contending for the prerogative of the 
crown, was the cause of these complaints against him. 
His papers being all certified by the great seal of the 
Province, were admitted as e^'idence, while several of 
the documents from the House were rejected for want 
of the seals. The board reported, blaming the Gov- 
ernor for " having been actuated by a degree of 
passion and resentment inconsistent with good policy, 
and unsuitable to the dignity of his situation. " Also 
blaming the House for ha^dng " ^dolated their duty to 
his majesty, and his subjects of that Province, by 
totally interrupting the public business of the Prov- 



12 TRADITIONS AISTD REMINISCENCES OF 

ince for so long a time, a conduct highly deserving his 
majesty's royal displeasure. " They offered no opinion 
on the constitutional questions, the original cause of 
the dispute — the Governor's refusal to qualify an 
acknowledged member of the Assembly ; but go on to 
recommend what Governor Boone had withheld, the 
appointment of deputies to administer the state oaths 
to members elected to the House of Assembly. 

Mr. Garth, the agent, appealed from such a vote of 
censure on his constituents the Assembly, and employ- 
ed Mr. Dunning, a celebrated lawyer, to advocate 
their constitutional rights, and justify their motives 
and doino^s. After this Mr. Garth became a member 
of Parliament, and therefore ceased to be their agent, 
but continued their friend. Here the correspondence 
terminates, and the final decision of the ministry is not 
reported. It was, however, evident that the Governor 
was recalled, and no other attempt ever made by any 
Governor to control the ])opular elections. 

Before this dispute terminated, the agitation about 
the stamp act commenced, and Mr. Garth gives a 
decided opinion that no petition would be received 
denying the right of Parliament to tax the American 
colonists. The stamp act, the tax on tea and other 
things, appear to have engrossed the public mind, 
both in England and America, during the next ten 
years, and to have ceased only with the ensuing war. 

There can be little doubt that Governor Boone's 
interference with the election of Christopher Gadsden, 
was an exciting cause in South-Carolina, for the jeal- 
ousy of their public and private rights ; that these 
feelings were confirmed and streugthed by the counte- 
nance to Governor Boone given him by the British 
ministry, and irritated by their assuming a right to 
tax and govern America in all cases whatsoever. We 
find the following names attached to different parts of 
the correspondence, and cannot doubt that this dis- 
pute roused in them, their families and friends, that 
spirit of resistance M-hich led to the revolution, and 
carried them through it triumphantly. 



THE AMEEICAlSr EEVOLUTION. IB 

Benjamin Smith, Charles Pinckney, 

James Moultrie, Thomas Wright, 

P. Manigault, Henry Laurens, 

Thomas Lynch, James Parsons, 

David Oliphant, Raw. Lowndes, 

Isaac Mazyck, Thomas Bee, 

Christopher Gadsden, William Scott, 

J. Ptutledge, Ebin. Simmons, 
Wm. Roper, 



STAMP ACT AND COMMOTIONS. 

At lengtli tlie stamp act was passed in 1764, by the 
British Parliament, in which America had no repre- 
sentative. This was a direct tax imposed on the 
colonies, and was opposed by them with more warmth 
and decision than usual, because a violation of their 
charter and rights as British subjects. When the 
stamps arrived in Charleston, nobody would accept 
the office of Receiver, and they were landed in Fort 
Johnson, which at that time was a strong fortress, but 
very negligently guarded. One hundred and fifty 
men were secretly organized, armed, and sent down 
to the fort in open boats, to destroy the stamps, 
or otherwise get rid of them. They surj^rised the 
fort, possessed themselves of the stamj^s, manned and 
loaded the heavy cannon, hoisted a flag, and were 
prepared for action by the dawn of day. The captain 
of the armed ship which brought the stamps, came to 
a parley with them, and was assured that they would 
destroy the stamps unless he pledged himself to take 
them away with him immediately, and not land them 
anywhere in America. The condition was acceded to, 
the pledge given, and the obnoxious stamps immedi- 
ately taken away. Col. Henry Laurens had used per- 
suasive language to prevent this expedition, and in 
their excitement this may have caused a suspicion 
among the people that he had some of the stamjos 
concealed at his own house. He then lived in a 
beautiful cottage in the centre of that square between 
Anson street and East Bay, bounded by Laurens and 



14 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

Society streets, the whole comprising an elegant gar- 
den, abounding in beautiful exotics and choice shrub- 
bery. Col. Laurens was universally respected and 
esteemed, but the people could not yield their politi- 
cal rights to personal affections. The subjoined 
extracts of letters from Col. Laurens to his friend, 
Joseph Brown, of Georgetown, will best elucidate the 
whole transactions and his feelings. 

Extract from letters of Henry Laurens to his friend, 
Joseph Brown, of Georgetown, dated 

October, 11th 1765. 

"Conclude not, hence, that I am an advocate for the stamp tax. No, 
by no means. I would give, I would do a great deal to procure a 
repeal of the law which imposes it upon us, but I am sure that nothing 
but a regular, decent, becoming representation of the inexpediency and 
the inutility of that law will have the desired effect, and that all irregu- 
lar, seditious practices will have an evil tendency, even perhaps to 
perpetuate that, and bring upon us other acts of Parliament big with 
greater mischiefs. " 

To the same. 

October 22d, 1165. 

" Some of our folks were wise enough to exhibit certain effigies on 
Saturday Last; a minute and pompous account of which I suppose you 
will see in the gazettes. I was out of town and saw not the farce, but 
some sensible mci have convinced me, that six men of spirit could 
in the beginning hav^ crushed the whole show ; whereas, meeting with 
no opposition, they carried their point with an high hand." 

To the same. 

October 28th, 1*765. 

"A circumstance that occurred on Wednesday night, the 23d, has so 
aftected Mrs. Laurens' bodily health, as well as her spirits, that my 
presence and attention at home are become absolutely necessary. 

At midnight of the said Wednesday, I heard a most violent thump- 
ino- and confused noise at my postern door and chamber window, and 
soon distinguished the sounds of 'liberty, and stamped paper, open your 
doors, and let us search your house and cellars, &c.;' I opened the window, 
saw a crowd of men chiefly in disguise, and heard the voices and 
thumpings of many more on the other side. I assured them that I 
had no stamped paper, nor any connexion with stamps; when I found 
that no assurances would pacify them, I accused them with cruelty to a 
poor sick woman, far gone with child ; called their attention to Mrs. 
Laurens, shrieking and wringing her hands ; adding, that if there was 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 15 

any one man among them who owed me a spite, and would turn out, 
I had a brace of pistols at his service, and would settle the dispute 
inimediately, but that it was base in such a multitude to attack a single 
man. To this they replied in general, that they loved and respected 
me, would not hurt me nor my property, but that they were sent even 
by some of ray seemingly best friends, to search for stamped paper, 
which they were assured was in my custody, and advised me to open 
the door to prevent worse consequences. 

Mrs. Laurens' condition and her cries, prompted me to open the 
door, which in two minutes more they would h?ve beat through. A 
brace of cutlasses across my breast, was the salutation ; and 'lights! 
lights! search! search!' was the cry. I presently knew some of them 
under their thickest disguise of soot, sailors' habits, slouch hats, &c., 
and to their great surprise called no less than nine of them by name, 
and fixed my eyes so attentively on the faces of others, as to discover 
at least the same number since. They made a very superficial search, 
or rather no search, in my house, countingdiouse, cellar and stable. 
After that farce was over, they insisted upon my taking what they 
called a " bible oath" that I knew not where the stamp paper was, 
which I absolutely refused, not failing to confirm my denials with 
curses of equal weight with their own, a language which I had learned 
from them. 

They then threatened to carry me away to some unknown place and 
punish me ; I replied that they had strength enough, but I would be 
glad to have it attempted by any single man among them, or those 
who they said had sent them. When they found this attempt fruitless, 
a softer oath, as they thought it, was propounded. I must say, " May 
God disinherit me from the kingdom of heaven, if I knew where the 
stamped papers were." This I likewise peremptorily refused, and 
added that I would not have one word extorted from my mouth ; 
that I had voluntarily given my word and honor, but would not suffer 
even that to pass my lips by compulsion. Further, that if I had once 
accepted of a trust, they might stamp me to powder, but should not 
make me betray it ; that my sentiments were well know as to the 
stamp act, that I had openly declared myself an enemy to it, 
and would give and do a great deal to procure its annihilation, but 
that I could not think that they pursued a right method to obtain a 
repeal, &c.. <fec. 

Sometimes they applauded — sometimes cursed me — at length one of 
them holding my shoulders, said that they loved me, and every body 
would love me, if I did not hold way with one Gov. Grant. This pro- 
voked me not a little, as it led me to suspect secret mahce. I answered 
that if he meant that I corresponded with Gov. Grant, and esteemed 
him as a gentleman, I acknowledged with pleasure that I did " hold 
way," as he called it, with him ; that I knew nothing in Gov. Grant's 
conduct or principles as a gentleman, that could shame my acquaint- 
ance with him. But, in one word for all, gentlemen, I am in your 
power, you are very strong, and you may, if you please, barbecue me. 
I can but die ; but you shall not, by any force or means, compel me to 



16 TRADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

renounce my friendship, or speak ill of men that I tliiiik well of, or to 
say or do a mean thing. This was their last effort — they then praised 
me highly, and insisted on giving me three cheers. Thev then retired, 
•with ' (lod bless your honor,' ' good night, Colonel,' 'we hope the poor 
lady will do well,' &c., &c. A thousand other things you may believe 
were said and done in one hour and a quarter — the time of their visit — 
but the above is a fair abstract of all that is important. 

Is it not amazing that such a number of men, many of them heated 
with liquor, and all armed with cutlasses and clubs, did not do one 
penny damage to my garden, not even to walk over a bed ? Mrs. 
Laurens has been very ill indeed, but to-day I have great hopes that 
she will go out her expected time of four or five weeks longer. 

The party have gained a great victory over G. Saxby and Caleb 
Lloyd. I pray God preserve you from insurrections and from every 
evil. I am, <fec., 

HENRY LAURENS." 

Col. Laurens went to England in 1771, chiefly for 
the purpose of educating his children, and there con- 
tinued his active endeavors to retard, if not to prevent, 
the taxing of America. Finding that arguments, re- 
monstrances and memorials were of no avail, and that 
nothing short of a disgraceful surrender of their char- 
tered rights could save his country from war, he re- 
solved to leave his children and return to South-Caro- 
lina, to partake, with his fellow-citizens, in whatever 
might be the result of their difficulties. In a letter to 
a friend in London, written from Falmouth, in the last 
of 1774, he says: "Your ministry are deaf to informa- 
tion, and seem bent on provoking an unnecessary con- 
test. I think I have acted the part of a faithful sub- 
ject. I now go resolved still to labor for peace ; at 
the same time determined, in the last event, to stand 
or fall with my country." 

On his arrival in Charleston, he was cordially re- 
ceived ; his leaving England, at such a time, to take 
part with his fellow-citizens, in their expected conflict 
with the parent State, riveted him in their estimation. 
The Provincial Congress appointed a council or com- 
mittee of safety, Avith executive powers, and Henry 
Laurens was chairman of that committee. He was, 
therefore, the head of the revolution in South-Caro- 
lina, but his judgment never deserted him, nor did his 



THE AMERICAlSr REVOLUTION. lY 

energy falter. He did uotliing to excite, but rather 
soothed the ardor of the many. The royal authority 
still existed nominally in South-Carolina, and he deter- 
mined to " bide his time" for action. 

The packet " Swallow" arrived from England, on the 
19th of April, 1775. The despatches were intercepted 
by order of the committee, and disclosed the orders 
issued by the British government, to commence hostili- 
ties against the colonists. From that moment, the 
committee acted with the greatest energy and decision. 
They did not wait to be attacked and crashed. They 
ordered the public armory and magazines to be broken 
open, seized all the military stores, and prepared their 
friends for war, by disarming their enemies. In no 
State of the Union were the first movements of the 
revolution better conducted than in South-Carolina, 
wdiile Mr. Laurens held this station. 

In 1776, Henry Laui-ens was elected a member of 
the Continental Congress, and shortly after he had 
taken his seat, was by that Ijody elected their Presi- 
dent. While he filled this office, the British commis- 
sioners arrived with hopes of inducing the Americans 
to rescind their alliance with Fi'ance, and resume the 
character of free British subjects ; but they came too 
late. The correspondence of Mr. Laurens, on this 
occasion, with Governor Johnstone, one of the commis- 
sioners, has been published, and is highly honoi'able to 
him and to the American character. On the 27th 
May, 1778, Lord Howe addressed him on this subject, 
as " Henry Laurens, Esq., President of Congress, Phila- 
delphia," and on the 9tli June, 1778, the Earl of Car- 
lisle, William Eden, George Johnstone and H. Clinton, 
addressed their communication as commissioners, "To 
his Excellency, Henry Laurels, the President, and 
other members of Congress." 

In December, 1778, Mr. Laurens resigned the chair 
of Congress, and received their thanks "for his con- 
duct in the chair, and in the execution of public busi- 
ness." Shortly after this, he was aj^pointed minister 
plenipotentiary to Holland, and in his voyage out, was. 
2 



18 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

captured on tlie 3d September, 1*780, by the frigate 
Vestal, Capt. Kepple, carried into Halifax, tbence sent 
to England and committed to the Tower of London as 
a state prisoner. While thus confined, he suffered 
much from ill-health, and petitioned Parliament to be 
put on his ])arole, offering any amount of security that 
they might require.* No answer was returned to him ; 
but a message, after a time, was received from the 
ministry — " Their lordshi])s say, if you will point out 
any thing for the benefit of Great Britain, in the pre- 
sent dispute with the colonies, you will be discharged." 
An indignant refusal was returned by Mr. Laurens. 

The same friend also brought another proposal to 
Mr. Laurens foi' consideration — " That you should 
remain in London among your friends. The ministers 
will often have to send for and consult you. You can 
write two or three lines to the ministers, and barely 
sa}^ you are sorry for what is past, and a pardon will be 
granted." Mr. Laurens replied: "I will never sub- 
cribe to my own infamy and to the dishonor of my 
children." When it became known in England that 
his son. Col. John Laurens, was sent on an especial mis- 
sion to the Court of France, the British ministry sent 
another message to Henry Laurens, offering advan- 
tages to him, if he would influence his son to withdraw 
from the object of his mission. To this he replied : 
'' I know that my son would sacrifice his life to save 
mine, but would not sacrifice his honor or his country 
to save either my life or his own, and I commend him 
for it." 

Henry Laurens was at last permitted to sign a bail 
bond, and when the time arrived for his appearance, 
according to the bond, he was discharged by Lord 
Shelburne, to go to the continent with a scheme for 
making peace with America. Mr. Laurens was star- 
tled at the offer, and replied, " that he durst not accept 
himself as a gift, and as Congress had once offered 
Lieutenant General Burgoyne for him, he had no 

* See Appendix, for parody of his petition. 



THE A3IEEICAI!^ KE VOLUTION. 19 

doubt of tlieir now giving Lieutenant General Earl 
Cornwallis for tte same purpose." He was finally ex- 
changed for Lord Cornwallis, and shortly after re- 
ceived a commission from Congress, to be one of the 
ministers for negotiating a peace with Great Britain. 
He accordingly rej)aired to Paris, and in conjunction 
with Dr. Franklin, John Adams and John Jay, signed 
the preliminaries of peace, on the 30th of. November, 
1782, by which the independence of the United States 
was acknowledged by Great Britain. His grand-son, 
Edward R. Laurens, has letters, both from Lord Shel- 
burne and Lord Cornwallis, on the subject of his ex- 
change. 



THE PETITION OF HENRY LAURENS, ESQ, TO THE HOUSE OF 

COMMONS. 

To the Right Honorable Charles Wolfran Cornwall, 

Speaker, and the Honorable the House of Commons : 

The representation and prayer of Henry Laurens, a native of South- 
Carolina — some time recognized by the British Coraniissioners in Ame- 
rica, by the style of his Excellency Henry Laurens, Pre^dent of Con- 
gress, now a close prisoner in the Tower of London — most respectfully 
showeth, that your representer, for many years, at the peril ot his life 
and fortune, evidently labored to preserve and strengthen the ancient 
friendship between Great Britain and the colonies ; and that, in no in- 
stance, he ever excited, on either side, the dissensions which separated 
them. That the commencement of the present war was a subject of 
great grief to him, as he foresaw and foretold, in letters now extant, the 
distresses which both countries experience at this day. 

That in the rise and progress of the war, he extended every act of 
kindness in his power to persons called loyalists and quietists, as well as 
British prisoners of war, very ample proofs of which he can produce. 

That he was captured on the American coast, first landed upon Ame- 
rican ground, where he saw exchanges of British and American prison- 
ers, in a course of negotiation, and that such exchanges and enlarge- 
ments upon parole, are mutually and daily practised in America. 

That he was committed to the Tower on the 6th of October, 1Y80, 
being then dangerously ill ; that in the meantime he has, in many res- 
pects, particularly by being deprived (with very little exception) of the 
visits and consultations of his children and other relatives and friends, 
suff-red under a degree of rigor almost, if not altogether, unexampled 
in modern British history. 

That from long confinement, the want of proper exercise, and other 



20 TRADITIONS AN'D REiUNISCENCES OF 

obvious causes, his bodily health is greatly impaired, and that he is now 
in a languishing state. 

And, therefore, your representer prays your Honors will condescend 
to take his case into consideration, and, under proper conditions and re- 
strictions, grant him enlargement, or such other relief, as to the wisdom 
and benignity of vour Honors shall seem fitting. 

(Signed) HENRY LAURENS. 

TowEB OF LoxDOK, December 1st, 1781. 



PARODY OF HENRY LAURENS' PETITION. 

This petition has been spoken of by some Ameri- 
cans as too humiliating for the late President of Con- 
gress. I think this a mistaken impression, and that 
with a little consideration, justice will be done to the 
motives and acts of Col. Laurens, In all memorials 
and petitions to public bodies, a certain form of words 
is always required. Xot to adopt them, would be dis- 
respectful, and the petition would not be received or 
considered. Col. Laurens' health required both. These 
expressions are but terms of courtesy or politeness, 
and are no more humiliating than the invariable usage 
of closing a letter with the words, " I am your most 
obedient humble servant," etc. It may be seen in the 
Gentleman's Magazine for 1781, page 322, among pub- 
lic papers, and I sul:)mit the following parody, as ex- 
pressive of Colonel Laurens' true meaning and mo- 
tives in that petition : 

The representation and prayer of Henry Laurens, a 
native of South-Carolina, one of the United States of 
America, the same person officially mentioned by Sir 
Joseph York, " as styling "himself the President of the 
pretended Congress," he being now a close prisoner 
in the Tower of London, most respectfully showeth : 
That your presentee seeks no concealment of his rank 
and })uijlic functions, nor makes any concession or ex 
cuse for his opinions and actions ; he recants in nothing 
whatever, l)Ut shows that he, for the space of ten years 
previous to hostilities, at the peril of his life aud for- 
tune, labored to preserve and strengthen the ancient 
friendship between Great Britain and her colonies. 



THE A3IEP.ICA^" p.irroLmo>'. 21 

The evidence is now offered, that on the passage of the 
stamp act. your presenter, although satisfied that yonr 
government "was doing wrong, tried all in his power 
to allay the irritation and excitement of his coantry- 
men, and thus incurred their suspicions and ill-will to 
such a desTree, that he was mobbed by them in his own 
house, and injury done to his property: had he re- 
siste-d, he would probably have been killed. Your 
representer mentally acknowledges that he adopted 
this line of conduct, hoping that your government 
might be induced to repeal that act. and persuade his 
countrymen that they were then too weak to resist 
your gigantic power. That he effected both objects, 
and came to England in 1771. Here he also labored 
to prevent the contemplated measure of taxing Ame- 
rica, and offers evidence of the fact. Knowing that 
his countrymen, as British subjects, would, and ought 
to, resist an unconsritutional tax, he tried to postpone 
the measure, if he could not prevent it. that they 
might acquire strength, and you adopt a different 
course. His great object was to gain time, that the 
continued discassion might enlighten the rising gene- 
ration in both England and America, giviog greater 
nnanimity and strength to the latter. 

The American government treat their prisoners with 
kindness, supplying all their necessities ; the same is 
done by individuals from motives of humanity. The 
Americans confined as prisoners experience treatment 
the reverse of this iu every respect. That being cap- 
tured on the coast of America, your representer first 
landed in the British possessions, where he saw daily 
exchanges of Brirish and American prisoners nego- 
tiated, as they are in the United States and between 
all civilized nations in modem warfare. But this bene- 
fit was refused to him, a civilian, which was never 
withheld from his countrymen when taken in arms. 
That this unjust severity was continued to him after 
his arrival in England, and he committed to close con- 
finement in the Tower on the 6th October, 1780, al- 
though then dangerously Dl. That in prosecution of 



22 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

the same severity, he lias been deprived of many con- 
solations, particularly of the visits of his children and 
relatives, and the consultations with his friends, except 
in very few cases ; and that he is still suffering under 
a degree of rigor, unpractised in England and unex- 
ampled in modern British history. 

That your representer is a prisoner of war, not a 
British subject, as your government absolved the Ame- 
ricans from their allegiance, by their orders to com- 
mence hostilities against them, and by the commence- 
ment of those hostilities on the 19th April, 1775. That 
the government of the United States, therefore, de- 
clared their independence on the 4th of July, 1776. 
And that, as a prisoner of war, such indulgences are 
requested, as are usually granted to prisoners, for the 
restoration of health, 



CAPT. DANIEL CURLING, OF THE SHIP BEAUFAIN. 

Previous to the revolution. Captain Curling com- 
manded one of the ships trading between London and 
Charlestown. He had been many years engaged in 
this business, as a commander; his skill in seamanship 
and deportment as a gentleman, were universally com- 
mended. He could ol^tain freights while other ves- 
sels were idle, and his cabin was preferred by all who 
wished to cross or recross the Atlantic. Insurance 
was lower on his freight than that of other ships. 

On one occasion, a smart, active young man, captain 
of a ship, came into port after Captain Curling's 
arrival. Being unknown, no freight was offered, until 
Captain Curling's ship was full ; he then ol>tained his 
complement and was soon ready for sea. Captain 
Curling was then at anchor in the roads, waiting for 
the wind and tide, to favor his going to sea. The 
young man also came to anchor in the roads, but he 
had not been inattentive, while his senior was there 
inactive. He had observed that the southei-ly and 
south easterly winds which prevented the other from 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 23 

sailing, generally changed after dark, and became a 
land Tv'ind, from midnight until after sunrise, blowing 
gently but steadily from the west and north west 
until after sunrise. The tide suited for him to cross 
the bar before sunrise, and he determined to avail 
himself of the temporary land wind to effect his 
object. He rose at midnight, and observing the first 
puff of the land wind he called up his crew, got up his 
anchor, and stood out for the bar. He reached it in 
time, but had only time enough to cross in safety, 
when the wind died away, and left him exposed to a 
flood tide, and no wind to keep him off from the 
shoals. He dropped anchor outside, and waited for 
the usual increase of the wind. When it sprang up, 
it was fair as usual, and he was outside. He again 
got under weigh, and had a short" passage to England, 
landed his cargo, took in a fine freight back to 
Cliarlestown, and on crossing the bar found his old 
acquaintance. Captain Curling, still anchored where he 
had left him more than two months before ; still wait- 
ing for the wind and tide to be fair at the same 
time, after the usual time of his awaking in the 
morning. 

Thei'e were no steamers as at present, for towing 
vessels in safety, without regard to the course of the 
winds, in and out of our harbor. Youth is the season 
for mental and bodily energy ; age for caution, pru- 
dence and slow deliberation. Our young captain had 
to make his own name and fortune ; he had to improve 
himself in his profes-^ion ; his senior captain had prob- 
ably become confirmed in old habits and opinions, 
which had been tolerated by his employers, and 
sanctioned by his success. 

Captain Curling continued in the trade respected 
and esteemed as before, but not so high in the estima- 
tion of those who shipped our produce to England, 
and counted on a speedy return, that they might 
re-invest the proceeds of sales. 

Captain Curling was subsequently cast away on the 
Scilly rocks off Landsend, and lost his life, probably 



24 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

from too much self-confidence, and not adverting to 
the current running always from the Bay of Biscay, 
to that point, and thence up the two channels. 

We never heard what became of the more vi^^ilant 
and energetic young captum, his competitor. 

The Rev. Mr. William Davis was one of the earliest 
rectors of St. Mark's Parish, in the lower portion of 
Sumter district. He was inducted in 1773, hut only 
continued a year or two in the performance of his cler- 
ical duties, in that place, and then accepted the living 
at Dorchester, at that time one of the best in the 
Province. 

He had one only dear daughter, Elinor, young, 
lovely, and accomplished. "Life, love and rapture, 
blossomed in her sifj^ht." She was enofasred to be 
married, and in the bouyancy of youth, sprightliness, 
and hope, she walked out into the woods, accompanied 
by some of her young friends and bride's maids. In a 
sportive humor, she bent a sa])ling and was riding on 
it, when by the breaking of a branch, she was thrown 
from it, with some force and violence, but arose 
unhurt. Instead of thanking God, mentally or other- 
wise, for this preservation, she foolishly, nay impiously 
exclaimed and boasted that she had cheated God Al- 
mighty for this time. " Thou fool ! this night thy soul 
shall be required of thee." In the afternoon of the 
same day, Miss Davis went to ride out with the same 
youthful party; her horse took fright, she was thrown 
from his back and killed, in an instant, in the presence 
of them all. Heaven in retril»utive justice is ever 
merciful. Her many young friends were, no doubt, 
awfully impressed with the providential visitation, 
so directly after her irreverent and impious boast. 
And to her bereaved, l>ut blinded parents, it may 
have been a direct interposition for their benefit, 
" That God to save the parents, took the child." 



TIIE A3IERICAN REVOLUTION. 25 

CONGRESS OF 1765 IN NEW- YORK. 

Great irritation pervaded America during the year 
1765, because of the stamp act, recently passed hy 
Parliament in Great Britain. In SeptemVjer of that 
year, a newspaper called the "Constitutional Courant," 
was published in Massachusetts, by Mr. Holt, the em- 
blem of which was a snake cut into thirteen pieces, on 
each of which was a letter, the initial of each of the 
Provinces affgrieved by the British assumptions. Above 
this emblem was printed the motto, " Join or die. " 
It may be readily seen, that this emblem and motto refer 
to a popular belief at that time, that the beautiful 
glass snake, peculiar to America, called by naturalists 
" Ophisaurus Ventralis," which, when struck, breaks 
into different pieces, is capable of re-uniting ^ose 
broken parts and continuing to live. 

On the declaration of American independence, and 
the formation of a pei'fect union between the thirteen 
states. Holt's paper changed its emVjlem. A beautiful 
snake was now represented by him in a regular circle ; 
its two extremities, the head and tail, being equally 
elevated to the top of the picture. 

The Congress of 1765 was convened at ." ew-York, 
by the request of Massachusetts, not only to promote 
uniformity of action throughout the Pro\'inces, but a 
union for mutual support in any measures that might 
be adopted jointly; and in any difficulties that either 
might suffer by such procedure. John Rutledge, 
Thomas Lynch, and Christopher Gadsden, were the del- 
egates from South-Carolina, who attended in that 
Congress, and notwnthstanding the previous dispute 
with Governor Boone, they united cordially with the 
delegates from the other Provinces, and proceeded in 
discussions with much moderation and decision. They 
first declared their constitutional rights; then their 
grievances, including all taxes imposed by others than 
representatives, chosen by themselves, from among 
themselves, and objecting particularly to this stamp 
act. They then petitioned the king and presented a 



26 TRADITIONS AND REJflNISCENCES OF 

memorial to both Houses of Parliament, and adjourn- 
ed with a perfectly good understanding, that they 
would postpone the evil day as long as possible, that 
all might gather strength, and be more firmly united 
by the delay. 

I have before me a letter, dated Charlestown, 2d 
December, 1765, written l)y Christopher Gadsden to 
some friend. He had been hurried off that he might 
arrive in time to meet the Provincial Assembly, and 
report their proceedings in Congress, but had a long 
passage, and they had adjourned before his arrival. 
In the meantime they sent copies of the proceedings 
in Congress to North-Carolina and Georgia, who had 
no representatives in that Congress. 

On the 26th November, the South-Carolina Assem- 
bly, again met, and received the report of their 
delegates to Congress. These embraced the minutes 
of that Congress, their Declaration of Rights and 
Opinions, and the engrossed Addresses to the King, 
Lords, and Commons. These were accordingly read 
and considered, and adopted unanimously, (excepting 
one man,) and the addresses ordered to be signed by 
the Speaker. 

The thanks of the House were then presented by 
the Speaker to the three gentlemen, their delegates, 
in the most obligincr manner ; and suitable resolutions 
having been reported by a committee, were adopted 
by the Assembly, and published as their sanction and 
assent to the proceedings of the late Congress. They 
then instructed their committee of corresjumdence to 
send a copy of these proceedings to their agent in 
London, and to write fully in explanation of them, 
where explanation might be deemed necessary. He 
then adds : " The friends of liberty here, are all as sensi- 
ble as our brethren to the northward, that nothing will 
save us, but acting together. That Province that 
endeavors to act separately, will certainl}' gain noth- 
ing by it ; she must fall with the rest." He makes 
many other excellent observations on the relations 
between England and America at that time, some of 



THE AMERICAN" REVOLUTIOlSr. 27 

which are applicable to the present difficulties of the 
South. Major Garden calls this Congress of 1765, the 
Ovum Republicae. 

In the fall of 1766, about ten months after the 
above interesting proceedings, the act of Parliament 
repealing the stamp act, was received in Charleston, 
and other parts of America. Great and general 
rejoicings ensued, for it was considered a triumph 
over the unjust pretensions of the British Parliament, 
obtained by unanimous, firm, but peaceable measures. 
It was not so considered by the British ministry; 
after the bill had passed through both Houses of Par- 
liament, it was, on motion, referred to the ministry to 
be engrossed, and they prefixed to the bill a clause 
declarino; " the ris^ht of Parliament to bind the colo- 
nies and people of America, in all cases whatsoever." 
This important preamble had been generally over- 
looked by the American people, in their joy at the 
repeal of the stamp act, but not by all. 

Christ'r Gadsden, while he yet held no public office 
or appointment, and did not seek for any, met occa- 
sionally some of his friends in a public garden, a little 
north of his residence, and conversed freely with 
them under the wide spread branches of a noble live 
oak tree, which stood near the centre of that square 
in Mazyckborough, now bounded on the north by 
Charlotte street, east by Washington street, south by 
Boundary street, and west by Alexander street. This 
oak was subsequently called Liberty Tree. 

The following paper, in the hand writing of George 
Flagg, one of the above party, was found among the 
papers of the late Judge William Johnson of the 
Federal Court, and is supposed to have been written 
in the year 1820, from memory. It is signed by 
George Flagg, the only surviving member of that 
party at that time. 

A list of the persons who first met at Liberty Tree, 
in the fall of the year 1766, after the repeal of the 
stamp act, viz: 



28 TRADITIONS AND REJUNTSCENCES OF 

Gen. Chris. Gadsden, John Calvert, 

"William Johnson, Henry Bookless, 

Joseph Verree, J. Barlow, 

John Fiillerton, Tunis Tebout, 

James Brown, Peter Munclear, 

Nathani*'] Lebby, William Trusler, 

George Flagg, Robert Howard, 

Thomas Coleman, Alexander Alexander, 

John Hall, Edward Weyman, 

William Field, Thomas Searl, 

Robert Jones, William Laughton, 

John Lawton, Daniel Cannon. 

Uz. Rogers, Benjamin Hawes. 
All dead excepjt George Flagg ; he also died in 1824. 

It may be asked, vrhat was done at this meeting, 
nothinsr of which is noticed in history. The public 
journals make no record of their proceedings that I 
have been able to discover. But in Johnson's Life of 
Greene, vol. 1st, page 266, the author appears to 
allude to this paper in the following note : 

" Gen. Gadsden, it is well known, and there are still 
living witnesses to prove it, (in 1822,) always favored 
the most decisive and energetic measures. He thought 
it a follv to temporize, and insisted that cordial recon- 
ciliation on honorable terms was impossible. When 
the news of the repeal of the stamp act arrived, the 
whole community was in ecstacy at the event; he, on the 
contrary, received it with indignation, and privately 
convening a party of his friends beneath the celebrated 
Libertv Tree, he there harangued them at considerable 
length, on the folly of relaxing their opposition and 
vigilance, or of indulging the fallacious hope that 
Great Britain would relinquish her designs or preten- 
sions. He drew their attention to the preamble 
of the act, forcibly pressed upon them the folly of 
rejoicing at an act that still asserted and maintained 
the absolute dominion of Great Britain over them; 
and then reviewing all the chances of succeeding in a 
struggle to break the fetters whenever again imposed 
on them, he pressed them to prepare their minds for 
the event. The address was received with silent and 
profound attention ; and, with linked hands, the whole 



THE AJfERICAN REVOLUTION. 29 

party pledged themselves to resist — a pledge that was 
fully redeemed when the hour of trial arrived. The 
author is in possession of the names of many who were 
present." It was from this event that the Liberty 
Tree took its name. The first convention of South- 
Carolina held their meeting nnder it. 

I have also heard that Gen. Gadsden first spoke of 
American independence under this tree, on the first 
passage of the stamp a<;t, and this is confirmed by a 
family tradition. 

It may be asked, who were the persons thus assem- 
bled, and what is known of them and their families? 
After a lapse of 85 years, it is difficult to trace a 
sketch of any, and some of them are unknown. Of 
the unknown, some may have paid the delit of nature 
during the ensuing ten years of peace ; some may have 
died defending their country's rights in the battle-field, 
or have sunk under imprisonment and disease in the 
prison ships of the enemy. All that are known, were 
fathers of families, reputably engaged in their mainte- 
nance — all in easy circumstances, none rich. At least 
half of them were master mechanics, the very bone 
and muscle of a thriving community. 

To Gen. Gadsden history does justice, in identifying 
him with the origin and progress of the revolution ; in 
commending his unwavering firmness and rectitude in 
public and private life ; and in r^-cording his services, 
his indefatigable industry, and judicious execution of 
the various ofiices confided to him, Vxjth in the civil 
and military duties of his country. He was a delegate 
to the Congress of 176o, of 1774, of 1775 and 1776. 
He was one of the earliest and warmest advocates for 
independence, but just before it was declared, he had 
reluctantly yielded to the urgent call of the governor 
and council, that he, their highest military officer, 
should return and conduct the military proceedings in 
his own iState. He always regretted that this urgent 
call prevented him from affixing his name to that hon- 
ored document — the most important State paper in our 
history. 



/. 



30 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

William Johnson was a blacksmith, carrying on an 
extensive business, in partnership with Tunis Tebout, 
on Beal's wharf, now Boyce's. That he did his duty 
to his country, firmly and faithfully, in her diihculties, 
may be seen in the Carolina histories of the revolution, 
and in the following extracts of letters. 

From the Hon. I. E. Holmes, dated 16th October, 
1847, to Dr. Joseph Johnson : 

" Dear Sir : — When a young man, I was often entertained with 
anecdotes of my uncle, the late Philip Gadsden, who you know was 
himself in the war of the revolution, and was son of our sturdy soldier 
and patriot. Gen. Gadsden. 

My uncle told me ' that the General used often to speak of your 
parent, Mr. Johnson, as one of the earliest and most spirited and most 
useful of our whig citizens, in whom he always had the fullest confi- 
dence, and upon whom he could always rely when any difficulties 
occurred in a march or in a camp.' 

I remember that the impression made upon me by the narrative, was 
that of admiration for your father. May the recital not prove unaccep- 
table to the son, who has the best respects and best wishes of his obe- 
dient servant, 

I. E. HOLMES." 

From Charles R. Carroll, Esq., to Dr. Joseph Johnson. 

" Dear Sir : — It was the haV)it of John Rutledge, the (former) Dic- 
tator, to visit my father while the clay houses in Boundary sti-eet were 
being erected. During these visits, partaking of the simple hospitality 
of my father, he would speak freely of the men and events of the revo- 
lution, and disclose many things omitted by the chroniclers of the day. 
Mv father often repeated to me the substance of these conversations, 
and I now remember distinctly one circumstance concerning the part 
your father took in the revolution. He said that John Rutledge inform- 
ed him, that the man who first moved the ball of the revolution in 
Charleston was your father ; that he was an upright, influential and in- 
telligent mechanic, and at his own instance, two or three individuals 
assembled with him under an oak tree, somewhere in Hampstead, on 
the Neck,* and there freely discussed the aggressions of the mother 
country ; that, in the course of time, others were added to the original 
number, but that Johnson was the mover of it. Accept my kind 
wishes, &c. Yours truly, 

CHARLES R. CARROLL." 

This testimonial from Governor Rutledge, preserved 
by Mr. Carroll, is new and unexpected to the family of 
William Johnson. He never claimed any such merit, 

* All north-east of Boundary street was then called Hampstead. 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTIOlSr. 31 

at least, in the recollection of his surviving sons. He 
always spoke of himself as a determined supporter of 
his country's rights with heart and hand, but he as- 
pired not to be the head. When offered an appoint- 
ment by his friends in the volunteer battalion of 
Charleston artillery, which would have been a step to 
promotion, he declined their offer, and Daniel Stevens 
was elected, who gradually rose to be colonel of the 
regiment of artillery. AYilliam Johnson always spoke 
of General Gadsden as one of the chief advisers in the 
early movements of the revolution. AVhen the de- 
spatches by the Swallow packet were intercepted, 
William Johnson was one of the armed party sent to 
break open the magazine at Hobcaw and take out the 
powder ; also, to break open the State House, and re- 
move the public arms stored there ; also, one of the 
flotilla of boats sent inland to Beaufort, to convoy and 
convey the powder to Charleston, which had been 
seized at the entrance to St. Augustine and taken into 
Beaufort. 

William Johnson was a member of the Legislature 
from the first of the revolution until he declined a re- 
election, about the year 1792, excepting only the Jack- 
sonboro' Leo:islature, at which time he had not returned 
to the State. 

Joseph Verree, a house-carpenter, the father of a 
large family, was a decided patriot, of so much charac- 
ter and judgment, that he generally commanded in the 
detachments selected for any confidential duty. He 
was a member of the first general Provincial Congress, 
convened in Charleston on the 11th January, lY'ZS. 
His only surviving child is Robert Verree. The fami- 
ly of Teasdales are his descendants. 

John Fullerton was also a house-carpenter, the father 
of the venerable Mrs. Elizaljeth Kighton, and of nume- 
rous descendants, both in North and South-Carolina. 
Among these, are the De Kossets, of Wilmington, 
North-Carolina. Mr. Fullerton was a Scotchman by 
birth, and the celebrated historian, David Hume, was 



r 



32 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

his uncle ; from him Mr. F. received a letter of re- 
proach for his rebellious conduct to his king. This 
letter was well known in the family, and was loaned 
by Mrs. Righton to her relative, the late Joshua W. 
Toomer, but is now lost or mislaid. Mr. Fullerton 
was also disinherited by his father for the same pa- 
triotic course of conduct. 

James Brown was a retail merchant in Church 
street. If he left any family, they are not now known. 

Nathaniel Lebl)y was a boat-builder, a zealous pa- 
triot of great respectability. He mariied a sister of 
Robert Howard, and when committed to the prison 
ship, she is said to have gone on board to prevent him, 
if so disposed by pi'ivations, from taking protection. 
Dr. Robert Lebby, William and N. H. Lebby, A. P. 
Aldrich, and others, are his descendants. 

George Flagg, a painter and glazier, a native of Bos- 
ton, was the most intimate fi-iend of William Johnson, 
and equally firm in his patriotic career. On this ac- 
count, they were both confined in a prison ship — then 
exiled to St. Augustine, and detained there eleven 
months, until exchanged as prisoners of war. Mr. 
Flagg being at that time a very active man, had 
served in the fire department, and during the siege of 
Charleston, was more exposed to danger at the fre- 
quent confla2:rations, than if under arms at the lines. 
His grand children are Mrs. C. H. West, Mrs. Dr. Phi- 
lips, and others in Charleston, and Mr. William Greene, 
of Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. Flagg died in Charleston in 
1824, and in the 83d year of his age, and the last sur- 
vivor of these associates. 

Thomas Coleman was an upholsterer in Church street, 
and his descendants are said to be living in or near 
Georgetown, South- Carolina. 

John Hall Avas a brother of George Abbot Hall and 
of Daniel Hall. They were natives of Bristol, in Eng- 
land, relatives of General Gadsden ; all engaged in 
mercantile pursuits, and all firm patriots. John Hall 
removed to Georgia, and left a family there. 



THE AiDEKICAN EEVOLUTIOI?^. 33 

William Field — liis descendants are believed to be 
planters, living soutli-Tvest of Charleston, between it 
and Beaufort. 

William Laughton, Uzziali Eogers and Benjamin 
Hawes, were at that time in partnership, carrying on 
an extensive business as coach and chair makers, a lit- 
tle to the north of St. Philip's Church. Hawes was a 
painter in this concern, and after it, was in partnership) 
as such with George Flagg. 

John Calvert was a very respectable man, a commis- 
sion merchant and book-keeper. Thomas and Mor- 
timer Calvert are his grandsons. 

Henry Bookless, J. Barlow, Peter Munclear, and 
Thomas Searl are now i^nknown. Many of the me- 
chanics took protection, after the fall of Charleston, 
rather than see their families suffering for want, under 
British restrictions. But Bookless was the only one 
of this list who signed the complimentary address to 
Sir Henry Clinton. 

Tunis Tebout was a blacksmith, in partnership with 
William Johnson. He was the grandfather of the late 
talented William Crafts. 

William Trusler was brother-in-law of Daniel Can- 
non, and a butcher by trade. His only child, Mrs. 
John Lloyd, is, I believe, still living in the city of New- 
York. Mr. Trusler was killed at the quarter house, 
while the British were in possession of Charleston. 

Robert Howard — a factor, a very respectable man 
and an active, zealous whig. He was the father of the 
late Colonel Robert Howard, and has many descend- 
ants living, of whom the Whitfields, in England, are 
said to be wealthy. 

Alexander Alexander was a schoolmaster of high 
character and po2:)ularity. He was a native of Meck- 
lenburg, IS^orth-Carolina, and educated in the whig 
principles of that distinguished district, at their aca- 
demy in Charlotte. His daughter, Rachel, married 
Charles Kiddell, a merchant, and left several children. 

Edward Weyman, an upholsterer, the grandfather 

3 



34 TRADITIONS AND REMESriSCENCES OF 

of Miss M. R. Weyman, of W. B. Foster and others, 
was a very energetic, influential whig. He was leader 
of the party appointed by the executive committee to 
break open the king's stores, and seize the arms and 
ammunition. He was also one of the secret committee 
associated with AVilliam H. Drayton. He was also 
exiled to St. Augustine, contrary to the stipulations on 
the surrender of Charleston, at the same time with 
General Gadsden, William Johnson and George Flagg. 

Daniel Cannon, a house-carpenter, was the oldest 
and most influential mechanic in Charleston, and sub- 
sequently called Daddy Cannon. He owned all Can- 
nonsborough. His descendants are the late Daniel 
Cannon Webb, and many others. 

John Lawton was an Englishman by birth, uncle of 
Winburn Lawton. He became a ])lanter, near the Sa- 
vannah river, at Black Swamp, and left a very respect- 
able family. 

From these notices, it is evident that the revolution 
commenced, at least in South-Carolina, among the peo- 
ple, the mechanics and middle class of citizens. No 
ambitious demagogue interposed to irritate their minds, 
and elevate himself on their discontent. General Gads- 
den's residence was the nearest to their place of meet- 
ing; they, probably distrusting their own judgments, 
determined to consult him, and Weyman, from the 
prominent ap})ointments which he afterwards held, was 
probal)ly one of the committee appointed to wait on 
General Gadsden, He agreed to meet them, and con- 
sulted with Henry Laurens, his intimate friend and 
neiglil)or. General Gadsden fully concurred with the 
associates in the violation of their rights by the stamp 
act, and their reasons for anticipating continued aggres- 
sions of this kind, but advised them to await the re- 
sult of their memorials and petitions, warning them 
against riots and tumults wliicli then prevailed. 

When the stamps were l)rouglit into Charleston, 
some rioting ensued, but not, we believe, by any of 
these associates, and all became tranquil as soon as the 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTIOjST. 35 

vessel was seen to cross tlie bar, taking away tlie ob- 
noxious stamps, without burning or bloodshed. 

In Drayton's Memoirs, vol. ii., page 315, we find that 
Christopher Gadsden,, and twenty-five other persons, 
meeting under this tree, in the autumn of 1766, talked 
over the mischiefs which the stamp act would have 
induced. On this occasion, Mr. Gadsden addressed 
them, stating their rights, and encouraged them to 
defend them against all foreign taxation. Upon which, 
joining hands round the tree, they associated as defend- 
ers and supporters of American liberty. And from 
that time this oak tree was called Liberty Tree, and 
public meetings were sometimes holden under its friend- 
ly shade. We have given a list of the twenty-six con- 
federates who joined hands on that occasion. 

The Liberty Tree continued to be a favorite place 
for social and political meetings. When the Declara- 
ration of Independence was received by Governor 
Rutledge from Congress, he and his privy council 
determined that it should be proclaimed with the most 
imposing ceremonies ever witnessed at that time in 
South-Carolina. The clergy of all denominations, all 
the military that could be paraded, were joined by all 
in the civil authorities, and all the citizens in proces- 
sion, and all their families in carriages, proceeded up to 
this favorite place of resort. 

When Charleston was surrendered to Sir Henry Clin- 
ton, this tree was still in its original beauty. But the 
name and associations in history rendered it an object 
for destruction to the British authorities. The tree 
was not only cut down, but a fire made over the still 
upright stem, by piling its branches around it, that the 
destruction might be complete. I remember to have 
seen the low black stump after the revolution. 

When this piece of land was purchased by Mr. Wil- 
liam Dewees, and enclosed for building, the late Judge 
William Johnson, of the Federal Court, requested that 
the root when grubbed up might be given to him. 
He had portions of it cut and turned into cane-heads, 
one of which was given by him to President Jeflferson, 



36 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

and others to different friends. A part of it was 
sawed into thin boards, and made into a neat ballot 
box, which he presented to the '76 Association. When 
the great fire of 1838 destroyed Mr. Seyles' establish- 
ment, at which that society held their meetings, this 
interesting relic was consumed, with the minutes of the 
Association recording his letter and donation. 

In 1767, there was another imposition of taxes or 
imposts, and in 1769, the British government again 
attempted to tax her American colonies, by duties im- 
posed on their importations. General Gadsden was 
on the alert among his confederates of Liberty Tree, 
and there proposed to counteract the measure by asso- 
ciating under a pledge not to purchase or consume any 
British productions thus taxed. The manufacturers 
and merchants of England, being thus cut off from 
their best market, would, by their clamors, induce the 
government to repeal this act. These restrictions were 
submitted to a meeting of the citizens of Charleston, 
the 22d July, 1769, discussed, amended, adopted, very 
generally signed, and became the basis of that adopt- 
ed by the Continental Congress in October, 1774, to 
be carried into effect on the 1st February, 1775. 



FIRST FUNERALS WITHOUT MOURNING. 

The 8th resolution of that Congressional measure, 
requires — " That on the death of any relation or friend, 
none of us, or any of our families, will go into any fur- 
ther mourning dress, than a black crape or ribl:)on on 
the arm or hat for gentlemen, and a black ribbon or 
necklace for ladies, and we will discontinue the gi™g 
of gloves and scarfs at funerals." 

This having been published and assented to by the 
community, the death of Mr. Solomon Legare, great- 
grandfather of the lamented Hugh S, Legare, occurred 
soon after. His exemplary descendants met and con- 
sulted on the occasion, and determined that as they 
had all assented to the restriction, it was as proper 



THE AMEEICAN REVOLUTION". St 

and as binding on tliem then, as it would be on tlie 1st 
of February ensuing. They, therefore, buried their 
deceased ancestor, without scarfs, gloves, and other 
mourning, usual on such occasions, and had the honor 
of being the foremost in obedience to the restrictions 
of Congress. Although sincere mourners, they follow- 
ed his funeral with only black ribbons or crapes on 
their arms. 

Again, after the 1st of February, when the restric- 
tion took effect, Mrs. Providence Prioleau, wife of 
Samuel Prioleau, died on the 18th of February, and 
was the first mother of a family buried without mourn- 
ing, under these restrictions. Her children — all adults — 
submitted to the will of the community, but resolved 
that, as they could not wear mourning for a beloved 
mother, they never would wear it for any other person.* 



GENERAL CHRISTOPHER GADSDEN. 

Christopher Gadsden via^s born in Charleston, in the 
year 1724. His father, Thomas Gadsden, was a Lieu- 
tenant in the British navy, and subsequently king's 
collector in South-Carolina. Christopher was sent for 
his education to England, (home, as it was called,) and 
became a favorite with his father's relatives, the Gas- 
coigns, Halls and Gadsdens, in the west of England, 
not far from Bristol. Here he acquired a knowledge 
of the learned languages ; also, of French, Hebrew 
and Algebra. Having returned to America, at the age 
of sixteen, he entered the counting-house of an eminent 
merchant, named Lawrence, in Philadelphia, and con- 
tinued there until twenty-one years of age. At that 
time he went again to England, and on his way back 
to Carolina, as passenger in a man-of-waj', the purser 

* The custom then prevailed, of giving burnt wine and other refresh- 
ments at funerals ; this was not interrupted by the restriction on wear- 
ing black. Some one, in a newspaper of the day, significantly inquired, 
whether the wine and other liquors had not paid a tax to the British 
government. 



38 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

died, and lie was appointed in Ms place. In this office 
he continued to serve the two following years ; then he 
returned to Charleston, and engaged in the mercantile 
and factorage line of Ibusiness. 

His father had become the owner of that portion of 
Charleston, between Boundary and Laurens streets, ex- 
tending eastwardly from Anson street to the channel 
of Cooper river. When Lord Anson arrived in Charles- 
ton about the year 1733, he was hospitably received by 
the inhabitants, and entertained by the collector, Thomas 
Gadsden. His lordship was so fond of gambling, that 
he has been censured for even winning money from his 
humble midshipmen. It was said that Mr Gadsden 
played with his lordship, lost a large sum of money, 
and paid the debt of honor by giving him titles for all 
these lands, which to this day bear the designation of 
Anson borough. 

Christopher Gadsden, having been very successful 
in his mercantile pursuits, re-purchased all this prop- 
erty formerly his father's, and lived all the rest of his 
life in the Anson House. This was a very neat 
cottage, built of cypress, standing on the lot now the 
residence of Mrs. Isaac Ball. When Mr. Ball pur- 
chased this lot and was building his house, this 
cottage was pulled down, and the cypress materials all 
used in the construction of the kitchen, which is still 
standing on the lot at the north-east corner of East 
Bay and Vernon street. 

Whatever Christopher Gadsden undertook, he pur- 
sued with exemplary ardor and perseverance, as 
evinced by the very extensive improvements, still 
known as Gadsden's wharf, on land reclaimed from 
the salt marsh. Henry Laurens was his nearest 
neighbor on the south, and his most intimate friend. 
They encouraged and supported each other in virtu- 
ous and honorable pursuits. They agreed also per- 
fectly in their habits of business, and in their opinions 
of American rights opposed hj British exactions. 
But the warmth of Gadsden's temper was moderated 
by the calculating policy of Laurens' reflections. It 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. 39 

was a blessing to South-Carolina that they had two 
such influential characters amonof her counsellors and 
advisers. They saw that the Americans were too 
weak at that time, for effectual opposition, and urged 
that unseasonable resistance would only serve to rivet 
their chains. Tlieir pacific policy prevailed, but there 
can be no doubt that the popular clamors over all 
America, were reported to the British ministry, and 
had their influence in the repeal of the stamp act and 
other taxes. Gadsden was the one more impetuous ; 
both were right and necessary to effect the repeal of these 
unjust schemes of taxation. They simplified the ques- 
tion by their practical arguments. It is admitted, 
said they, that no man in Great Britain can legally 
demand of me in America, a sum of mone}^ which I 
do not owe, and never agreed to pay him. Of course 
he cannot confer on others the right which he himself 
never possessed. The people of England do not 
possess this right, they therefore cannot confer it on 
their representatives in Parliament; neither can the 
Parliament legally confer a right on their collectors to 
enforce a payment by Americans, of taxes and imposts 
which, by their charters, they are not bound to pay. 

To the various excitements in America, resulting 
from the attempts of Parliament to impose taxes on 
the colonies, was now added the Boston port bill. 

All America became indignant at its severity, and 
united in contributing to the wants of a commercial 
people, suddenly deprived of their usual means of 
support by despotic power. It was passed in March, 
1774, and soon after it was published, came the addi- 
tional news that General Gage had arrived in Boston, 
and was to be followed by 20,000 men to sustain him, 
and enforce the obnoxious acts of Parliament. Massa- 
chusetts again proposed a Congress of delegates from 
each Province, to meet in Philadelphia in September, 
1774. Twelve of the Provinces united in sending 
their representatives to this meeting; Georgia was 
still too young to resist the power and patronage of 
the royal governor. On this occasion Christopher 



40 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

Gadsden Avas a delegate from South-Carolina, and 
moved that General Gage be attacked and overpow- 
ered in Boston, before the arrival of his expected 
army. But a majority of the members were oj^posed 
to him, because the measure was considered pre- 
mature. Unfortunately, the other delegates from 
South-Carolina differed from Christopher Gadsden on 
another ]:)oint. When the bill prohil)iting ti-ade with 
Britain and her colonies was taken up, and that clause 
w^hich prohibits the " export of any merchandize or 
commodity, " to those countries, was discussed, four of 
the five Carolinians insisted that rice and indigo 
should be excepted from that prohibition. The other 
Provinces could not assent to it, and Congress was 
about to adjourn in discord, when it was agreed that 
rice alone should be excepted from the prohibition. 
The South- Carolina Assembly were dissatisfied at this 
screening of their interests from the restrictions on all 
the other Pi'ovinces ; but as harmony among our own 
citizens must be promoted, and as defended by the 
eloquence of John Rutledge, the matter was sufiered 
to rest.'' 

Congress adjourned after recommending that dele- 
gates meet again in Philadelphia in May, 1775, and 
the same delegates from South-Carolina attended that 
meeting. While so occupied in Philadelphia, the 
Provincial Legislature resolved to enlist three regi- 
ments, and elected Mr. Gadsden senior colonel, of 
course the commandant of all the troops thus raised. 
The enlistment advanced rapidly, and the drilling and 
exercising of the separate companies proceeded tolera- 
bly well. Colonel Thomson's regiment having been 
ordered out against the tories who had attacked 
General Williamson at 96, had an excellent opportu- 
nity for acquiring practice and discipline. But with 
the other two there was a want of energy and 
management in the higher officers, that induced the 
council of safety to send urgently for Colonel Gads- 

*See Drayton, Chapt. 5th, Vol. 1st. 



THE AMERICAJSr REV0LUTI01S-. 41 

den, to quit Congress to assume command of tlie 
whole, and train them to exercise as one corps. He 
arrived early in February, 1776, and immediately 
proceeded with his characteristic industry to eifect 
this desirable object. While so engaged, he was also 
employed in the civil concerns of South-Carolina, and 
was one of a committee that reported the first consti- 
tution adopted by any Province in the Union, In the 
discussion of this matter, many thought that it was 
unnecessary and improper. Colonel Gadsden insisted 
that it was not only proper but necessary, and 
declared that he was not only in ftivor of this form of 
government but "of the absolute independence of 
America." This was like an explosion of thunder 
amonof the members. It was the hrst intimation 
given of any such intention, at least in South-Carolina. 
It was on the 10th of February 1776. Few, if any, 
had thought of independence, and John Rutledge, one 
of the most decided supporters of the revolution, 
reproved Colonel Gadsden, pronounced the opinion 
treasonable, said he abhorred the idea, and would 
post off to Philadelphia to assist in re-uniting Great 
Britain and America."^ 

We claim for Christopher Gadsden that he first 
spoke of independence in 1764, to his friends under 
Liberty Tree, and there renewed the subject in 1766, 
rather than submit to the unconstitutional taxes of 
Great Britain. Also that he was the first to advocate 
independence of Great Britain in the Provincial As- 
sembly of South-Carolina on the 10th of February, 
1776. 

As the number of regiments in the South-Carolina 
line was increased, Gadsden still retained the highest 
command, and was commissioned general. He com- 
manded the division sent over to Haddrill's Point for 
the purpose of opposing the two British cruisers, the 
Cherokee and Tamar. He opened a cannonade against 
them, and drove them out to sea. 

*See Drayton's Memoirs, Vol. 2d, page 1Y2. 



42 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

During the battle of Sullivan^s Island, his division 
was stationed at Fort Johnson, expecting every hour 
to be engaged with Sir Peter Parker. But the treat- 
ment received at Fort Sullivan prevented him from 
trying his hand with another Yankee fort. General 
Gadsden continued among the most active and ener- 
getic, both in the civil and military concerns of the 
South, but we believe that he did not approve of the 
management of Lee, Howe, D'Estang, or Lincoln. 
He resigned his commission in the army while Lin- 
coln commanded, and previous to Provost's invasion. 
After that event he was elected lieutenant governor, 
associated with John Rutledge in the civil adminis- 
tration, and presided in the council. As such, he re- 
mained in Charleston during the siege by Clinton, while 
Gov. Rutledge went out into the back country, with 
the view of bringing down their militia upon the 
British encampment. As lieutenant governor, Gene- 
ral Gadsden signed the capitulation of Charleston, and 
gave his parole under it, expecting to remain with his 
family until exchanged as a prisoner of war. But in 
violation of those terms, he was taken up on Sunday, 
the 27tli August, but little more than three months 
after the capitulation was signed, confined in the 
prison ship Sandwich, and on the 3d September 
removed to the trans23ort ship Fidelity, commanded 
by Captain Wm. Pilmore, and exiled to St. Augus- 
tine, with sixty-five others of the most respectable 
among those who had been taken in Charleston. 
There they arrived on the 8th, and were made to 
walk se])arately l>efore Governor Tonyn, their names 
being called as they severally passed his Excellency. 
Their quarters being designated, the prisoners were 
required to give their paroles for the pi-ivilege of 
walking about within certain limits. General Gads- 
den positively refused to give his, saying " you have 
violated your faith to me in the capitulation, I will 
never treat with you again." He was, therefore, con- 
fined in the castle, in a dungeon, where he never saw 
the sun for about eleven mouths. 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. 43 

Having been exchanged in June, 1781, the late 
j)risoners sailed for Philadelphia, and arrived there on 
the 30th July. 

General Gadsden was there highly honored by all 
the public officers, civil and military, but considered it 
a loss of time to remain there. His heart was at 
home ; his whole time and attention were devoted to 
the welfare of South-Carolina. The first that we know 
of him after his return, was as a member of the 
Assembly, convened by Governor Rutledge, at Jack- 
sonboro,' on the 18th January, 1782. The confiscation 
of property belonging to the royalists, was then advo- 
cated by the leading men of the State, but as strenu- 
ously opposed by General Gadsden and a few others. 
They contended that it was time for the irritated feel- 
ings of the inhabitants to be soothed by a general 
amnesty ; that the confiscation act would be unproduc- 
tive, and that most of the property thus taken would 
be returned to the royalists when applying by 
petitions, and advocated by their respective friends 
and relatives ; and so it proved. 

The Assembly elected General Gadsden governor^ 
but he declined the honorable appointment, and 
retired into private life. 



44 TKADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 



CHAPTER II. 



Regulators and Schofilites — Duel between Dr. John Haley and Mr. 
Delancy — William Uenry Drayton — Massachusetts, the cradle of 
the Revolution — Congress of 1774 — Signatures of the Members — 
Seizure of British Despatches — Powder and Arms — Powder inter- 
cepted off St. Augustine — Seizure of Powder at the mouth of Savan- 
nah River — Revolution in Georgia — Governor William Bull — Lord 
William Campbell — other Campbells in America — Tarring and Fea- 
thering — Anecdotes of John Walters Gibbs. 

Political discussions were, for a while, suspended in 
South-Carolina, by commotions in the west and north- 
western portions of the Province, where no courts of 
justice had been yet established. There a number of 
lawless men had collected from different parts of the 
world, probably from the number of soldiers disbanded 
from the armies in Europe and America after the treaty 
of peace in 1^762. 

These indolent, profligate settlers committed depre- 
dations on their neighbors, who, by industry and fru- 
gality, were acquiring property, or had brought it with 
them into the Province. The negroes, cattle and horses 
of the industrious citizens were the chief objects of 
those depredators, but they frequently burnt the houses, 
barns and provisions of the respectable and industrious 
farmers who opposed them, and escaped with their plun- 
der among the Indians, Spaniards and Erench, on the 
south and south-west of the Carolinas. 

Even when any of those plunderers were captured, 
being one hundred and fifty or two hundred miles off 
from the jails and courts of law, many of them would 
effect their escape ; the captors, also, having to guard 
their prisoners that distance for trial, and afterwards 
to attend as witnesses on their trials, found the hard- 
ship intolerable. Sometimes, after all their trouble, 
the culprit would escape his merited punishment, and 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. 45 

return upon them with vindictive feelings against the 
prosecutors. Under these difficulties, the most respect- 
able inhabitants united to inflict summary justice on 
the depredators, and called themselves Regulators. 
The culprits, finding that punishment was inflicted on 
them without the forms or delays of courts, appealed 
to the royal governor for protection, and he sent a 
commissioner among them to adjust their differences. 
This was Colonel Schovel, who, instead of redressing 
the grievances on both sides, armed the depredators 
and paraded them for battle ; they were, consequently, 
called Schofilites. When on the eve of bloodshed, 
some more considerate persons interposed, and they 
both sent delegates to the governor, claiming relief. 
The governor and council saw the source of the diffi- 
culties, and, in 1769, seven new courts, with suitable 
jails and court-houses, were established in different 
parts of the back country. By these established courts, 
the honest Regulators gained all that they wanted, and 
many dishonest Schofilites got what they had long 
merited — suitable punishment for their offences. It 
was remarkable with these men, that having been 
marshaled by Schovel, under authority of the royal 
governor, most of them joined the tories or royalists 
when the revolution broke out, about six years after 
having been thus marshaled. 

A commotion of the same nature, and about the 
same time, in North-Carolina, terminated much more 
unfortunately. The Regulators, having here acted very 
improperly in several respects, were attacked by the 
governor's troojDS — a battle ensued, many lives were 
sacrificed, and the Regulators were disj^ersed. 



DUEL BETWEEN DR. HALEY AND DELANCY. 

The political discussions were revived with much 
warmth and irritation, in consequence of the non-im- 
portation and non-consumption restrictions, and conti- 
nued exactions that were opposed by the colonists, 



46 TRADITIONS AND EEMINLSCENCES OF 

but could not be resisted. In 1111, on the 16tli of 
August, an altercation arose, at a genteel house of en- 
tertainment in St. Michael's alley, between Dr. John 
Haley and Delancy, an elegant, accomplished royal- 
ist, of New- York, a brother of Mrs. Ralph Izard. 
Delancy being irritated, probably from being foiled 
in argument, insulted Dr. Haley, by giving him the 
" lie." Haley immediately challenged Delancy to fight 
with pistols at that house, and proposed that they 
should go together to an upper room, alone, and with- 
out seconds. Delancy accepted the challenge, and the 
proposed arrangement. He took one of the pistols 
offered to him by Haley ; they fought across a table, 
fired at the same moment, and Delancy was killed. 

Dr. Haley was an Irishman by birth, an eminent 
practitioner of medicine in Charleston. He warmly 
espoused the popular cause in opposition to royalty, 
and, as a man of education and influence, was much 
encouraged by the leaders of the incipient revolution. 
Delancy being a very distinguished man among the 
royalists, much irritation was exhibited among them, 
at his death, and the circumstances attending it. The 
whigs, on the other hand, defended Dr. Haley, and 
concealed him until his trial came on. During this 
concealment, being secluded from society, and deprived 
of his usual occupations of mind and body, he became 
melancholy, and this depression was increased by an 
accidental occurrence that took place while he was in 
this seclusion. In passing, after dark, across the enclo- 
sure where he stayed in the country, a clothes-line, 
which had been left extended and unseen, suddenly 
caught him by the throat, and stopped his course. He 
considered this to be ominous of his fate, and the im- 
pression could not be dispelled l)y the reasoning or 
the jokes of his friends. He may have imbibed super- 
stitious fears from nursery tales in his youth, which 
sometimes, even in manhood, embitter the feelings. 
The firmest minds have their moments of weakness, 
and, in his situation, such depression might be expected. 
Dr. Haley knew that, having fought without witnesses 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION". 4T 

and killed his opponent, the laws of his country and 
the usages of courts considered him a murderer, and 
that he must be tried for his life. His cause, how- 
ever, had been taken up as a party dispute. Thomas 
Heyward, the Pinckneys and the Rutledges defended 
him in his trial. They proved that Delancy was the 
aggressor; that he not only accepted the challenge, 
but the terms also ; that he took Haley's offered pistol, 
and voluntarily followed him up stairs into a private 
room, as had been proposed ; that he fired with intent 
to kill Haley with his own pistol, for the two balls 
with which it was loaded were taken out of the wall 
just back of his adversary, one on each side of where 
he stood. Haley was acquitted, and his acquittal was 
considered a great triumph by the whigs and popular 
party, situated as they were under the royal govern- 
ment. It was also considered by the royalists a pro- 
portionate source of chagrin. 



. WILLIAM HENRY DRAYTON. 

One of the warmest opponents of po23ular measures 
in this early stage, was William H. Drayton, a young 
man of one of the oldest and most distinguished cava- 
lier families in the South. He was elegant in his de- 
portment, and having acquired his education in Eng- 
land, was probably impressed with a belief that the 
parent State would yet do all that was just and pro- 
per for the colonists, if not opposed by violent mea- 
sures. He was a nephew of Governor Bull, and may 
have adopted this opinion from him, in whose unques- 
tionable sincerity all reposed entire confidence. Under 
these impressions, Mr. Drayton went to England, and 
there re-published in 17Y1 the pieces printed in Charles- 
ton, for and against the political movements in the 
South. General Gadsden and Mr. John McKenzie 
were the advocates for those measures, while Mr. Wil- 
liam Wragg and Mr. Drayton were the opjDosers. I 
believe that a second edition of this book was printed 



48 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

in England, with notes and comments, under orders 
from the ministry. 

Mr. Drayton was introduced at court and appointed 
one of the governor's privy council. He returned to 
Charleston, and took his seat at the board ; but, find- 
ing that the orders from England and the proceedings 
of council, were not what he considered just and favor- 
able to the joint interests of the kingdom and colo- 
nies, he opposed them conscientiously, and continued 
to do so nearly three years, at which time he was 
superseded. He lost his place in the privy council, 
when they were themselves on the eve of being super- 
seded by the revolutionists, but he rose the higher in 
the estimation of his countrymen. They confided in his 
well-known zeal, talents and integrity,"^ appointed him 
one of their judges, and, subsequently, one of their 
delegates in Congress. He died in their service, a 
member of Congress, in 1779. 



MASSACHUSETTS, THE CRADLE OF THE REVOLUTION. 

We have seen that the Congress of 1765 was con- 
vened at the request of Massachusetts, to effect uni- 
formity of action by all the Provinces, and union for 
mutual defence and support. We find, also, that in 
1773, Mr. Josiah Quincy, a lawyer, and one of the 
most influential men in Massachusetts, made a tour 
through the southern Provinces, for the purpose of 
ascertaining, personally, how far the influential men in 
those several Provinces were disposed to act in concert 
with Massachusetts, in opposing the unconstitutional 
and oppressive measures of the British government. 
The separate movements in each Province opposed to 
the stamp act, had been published and read every 

* While Charleston was threatened by a bombardment from the two 
sloops of war, Cherokee and Tamar, the council of safety apj)ointed 
William II. Drayton to command the armed ship Prosper. When 
she was fired on by those two vessels, he ordered the fire to be returned, 
and thus commenced hostilities in the South. 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 49 

where, but it was chiefly among the well educated 
Puritans of Massachusetts, that united action against 
those measures was deemed to be essentially necessary. 
Mr. Quincy was probably sent by them to promote 
and concert such united opposition, and, if necessary, 
resistance. In these respects, Massachusetts may well 
be called " the cradle of the revolution ;" and, in addi- 
tion to these, be it remembered, that there was the 
first battle — the first bloodshed — that at Lexington, 
on the 19th of April, 1115. 

In South-Carolina, the movements in IT 6 5 were 
promptly met by resolutions for a continental union, 
in accordance with the request of Massachusetts. 



CONGRESS OF IIU, IN PHILADELPHIA, AND SIGNATURES. 

In 1773, the indirect tax on tea paid by the East 
India Company in England, and, in 1774, the despotic 
passage of the Boston pjrt bill, roused all America to 
concert measures for union and resistance. The first 
revolutionary Congress, therefore, met in Philadelphia, 
on the 5th September, 1774, as proposed by Virginia.* 
Georgia was not represented there ; that colony being 
yet too young, and the power of Governor Wright too 
great, to admit of it. After the usual memorials and 
addresses, they adoj^ted, on the 20th October, the plan 
for a general non-importation, non-consumption, and 
non-exportation association throughout the colonies 
of North America. These proposed restrictions were 
printed in pamphlets, one of which was sent to each of 
the colonies as a document, and all of them were signed 
by each delegate of that Congress, arranging them- 
selves together in the order of their respective colo- 
nies. These resolutions have been repeatedly pub- 
lished, but the only original copy, with the signatures 



* Her resolution was also adopted by all the other colonies, to set 
ipart the 1st of June, for fasting, humiliation, and prayer; this being 
the day on which the tax bill was to commence its operations. 
4 



a 



60 TRADITIONS AND EEIVUNISCENCES OF 

attached, that I know of, is in my possession. It was 
found among the papers of General Gadsden, by his 
grandson, John Gadsden, and by him presented to the 
Literary and Philoso])hical Society. The autograph 
signatures attached thereto, are minutely copied and 
here represented. 

The highly interesting plate which represents the 
first opening of this first revolutionary Congress with 
prayers,'"' as described by Mr. John Adams, is, in one 
respect, historically correct — that the delegates from 
North-Carolina were not present at this scene of pious 
humility and prayer. Those delegates did not arrive 
until the 14th, but then they zealously engaged in all 
the discussions and resolutions of the Congress. In 
some other respects, that plate is not perfectly correct. 
It omits the name of Christopher Gadsden, who was 
certainly present, among the delegates from South- 
Carolina. Mr. AdJlms says that Peyton Randolph and 
Patrick Henry, of Virginia, were present,f but, as 
their signatures are not attached to this document, 
they may have been obliged to leave Philadelphia 
before the printed copies were ready for signature. 
Besides these, the picture includes Caesar Podney, of 
Delaware, Samuel Rhodes and Charles Thomson, of 
Pennsylvania. Mr. Thomson was the well known Se- 
cretary of Congress throughout the revolution, and, 
therefore, very properly introduced in this representa- 
tion. The following gentlemen, however, were present, 
and signed the resolutions, but are not represented in 
the plate ; it may be that their likenesses could not be 
obtained : 

* The original painting of wliich was by T. "\V. Matteson, published 
by John Neal, of New-York. 

f There is a tradition in Virginia confirming the attendance of Patrick 
Henry. On his return to Virginia, he was asked by a triend, whom he 
considered the greatest man on the floor of that Congress. lie an- 
swered : " If you inquire about the eloquence and talents of the mem- 
bers, John Rutledge, of South-Carolina, is, in my opinion, the first; 
but, if you mean the judgment and other mental qualifications, our 
Colonel George Washington is decidedly the greatest." 



FACSIMiLIES OF SIGNATURES TO THE PROCEEDINGS 
OF THE AMERICAN CONGRESS IN 1774. 






> New-Hampshire. 



• Massachusetts Bay, 







Rhode Island 
, and 

' Providence 

Plantation. 







> Corvn&iticvkt, 





XZD 



^/7^2"<^<^ 







[> Nexv- York. 











' New-Jersey, 



\jy 









J. PennsylvaniQ: 



K Ddawarn. 




Maryland, 



^TilolaA.cl^'^'^f-^^^ 




\ Virr/inia. 



Pd 




L 



Virginid 
\ concl'd. 




I South 
' Carolina. 



Q) dti^-n^ ^■Lc^^^-^^^'P^ 



THE AMERICAlSr REVOLUTION. 51 

John Sullivan, of New-Ham pshire. 
James Duane, of New- York. 
Henry Wisner, of do. 
S. Boerum, of do. 

J. Kinney, of New-Jersey. 
John Dickinson, of Pennsylvania. 
Joseph Galloway, of do. 
E. Biddle, of do. 

Charles Humphries, of do. 
Mat. Tilghman, of Maryland. 
Thomas Johnson, Jun., of Maryland. 
Richard Bland, of Virginia. 

It was in allusion to this Congress, that the Earl of 
Dartmouth asked an American gentleman, in London, 
of how many members it consisted. The gentleman 
readily answered, of fifty-two. " Fifty-two," said the 
Earl, " why, that is just the number in a pack of cards ; 
pray, tell me, if you can, how many knaves are in it V 
" Not one," replied the sturdy republican, " your lord- 
ship will recollect that the knaves are court cards' 



SEIZING BRITISH DESPATCHES, POWDER AND ARMS. 

It will be recollected, in the preceding memoir of 
Henry Laurens, it was said that, on the arrival of the 
packet Swallow, the government despatches were inter- 
cepted by the committee of safety, and disclosed their 
orders to commence hostilities against the Americans. 
This was on the 19th of April, 1775, the day on which 
the British troops had been sent to attack the Ameri- 
cans at Concord and Lexington. Before it was known 
that these orders had been issued, before the battle of 
Lexington was heard of in South-Carolina, before the 
British governors in the South could receive their 
orders, or prepare to execute them, the committee of 
safety had concerted measures for preventing such an 
attack, by seizing all the powder and public arms ; 
thus disarming their enemies, and aifording to their 
fellow-citizens the means of self-defence. The parties 
for these duties were selected and arranged on the 
night of the 19th ; they were informed the next day 



52 TRADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

of the duty assigned them, fully apprized tliat break- 
ing into the king's stores and magazines was high trea- 
son ; and requested, if any were unwillinG: to execute 
the trust, that they would retire quietly, and be silent 
as to what they had heard ; they were warned of 
their being surrounded by spies and informers, and 
that they were risking their necks for the general bene- 
fit ; that they might be criminated, arrested and con- 
victed, in any change of fortune or circumstance, in 
any place, at any time, however remote, on evidence 
of these acts. But they had determined to oppose the 
exactions of the British government, and to resist their 
hostilities ; it was, therefore, much better to anticipate 
such acts, than supinely to wait and suffer. The two 
parties for seizing the powder, were told to arm them- 
selves for resistance, if opposed, or defence, if attacked. 
They both embarked on the night of the 20th, rowed 
themselves to the magazines, broke them oj^en without 
opposition, and so far every thing prospered. The 
party sent to the magazine on Charleston Neck suc- 
ceeded perfectly, and delivered their powder to Gene- 
ral Gadsden, on the morning of the 21st, at his otvti 
wharf When the party sent to that at Hobcaw 
entered the magazine, they found it empty ; the pow- 
der had all been removed, in anticipation of their 
coming. It was evident that their intention had been 
discovered, and that they would be liable for the con- 
sequences, without the consolation of success. They 
returned in very sorry plight, and rej^orted their fail- 
ure to the committee, but the result was much more 
favorable than they could reasonably have expected. 

Captain Robert Cochran, the powder receiver, was 
well disposed to the American cause. As a public 
officer he was bound to do his duty, and was personal- 
ly answerable for the property stored in his keeping. 
Having heard something which induced him to suspect 
that the powder was aimed at, he crossed the river 
before the })rovincial party, removed all the powder, and 
concealed it among the bushes, a few yards off from 
the magazine ; there he remained watching the move- 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTIOIT. 53 

ments of the expedition. When they returned to 
Charleston he also returned, having first secured the 
powder from accident or injury. The next day he 
called on the merchants, the owners of the powder, 
and was sorry to inform them that the magazines had 
been broken open, and not a keg of powder left in 
them. The reply of all the merchants was a very 
natural one : we have nothing to do with that ; here is 
your certificate for the powder, if not produced, you 
or your securities must pay for it. Captain Cochran 
accordingly took from each of the owners a bill of his 
powder, presented these to Colonel Henry Laurens, 
chairman of the committee, received the money, paid 
the merchants the amount of their bills, and delivered 
the powder into the hands of General Gadsden for the 
revolutionists. 

Inquiry was instituted into the cause of failure in 
this expedition. The gentlemen were all respectable, 
and had confi^dence in each other ; none had knowingly 
divulged the secret, but some one may have indiscreet- 
ly given ground to suspect it. Edward Weyman, 
sen., was one of the secret committee, and commanded 
this expedition ; no one could doubt his honesty, but 
he was peculiarly fond of good cheer and good com- 
pany ; he was addicted to good living, and as much of 
it as possible. Meeting with his friend Paul Pritch- 
ard, whose shipyard adjoined that magazine, Weyman 
told Pritchard to get a good supper ready that 
evening, as he and some of his friends were coming 
over there. The supper was provided, but none of 
the party came to partake of it. When Weyman was 
asked why they did not come to the supper, he 
answered, dryly, that " they had lost their appetites 
all at once." The party were certainly too much 
chagrined for the enjoyment of a supper that evening. 
As their object had certainly been discovered, there 
w^as reason to believe that they were also personally 
known, and some of them began to feel whether the 
stocks worn in those days round the neck, had not 
changed into halters since they left home. Captain 



54 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

Cochran never would say how he discovered the 
affair. Pritchard may have invited him as a friend 
to come over and sup with Weyman and his friends ; 
this would have apprised Cochran that Weyman and 
his party were going, after dark, next to his magazine, 
and his suspicions be thus excited and directed to 
their true object. William Johnson was one of this 
party, but I never heard the names of any others ; nor 
did I ever hear the names of the other party which 
took the powder from the magazine on Charleston 
Neck, but as General Gadsden received the powder from 
both places, it is probable that he had made up both 
parties from among his confederates of Liberty Tree, 
and the members of the Charleston Artillery, of which 
he was the captain. 

The small arms were then stored in the attic story 
of the State House, a handsome two story building, at 
the north-west corner of Meeting and Broad streets, 
where the Court House now stands. They were in 
the custody of Mr. John Paug, the ordinance store 
keeper, an officer appointed by the royal govern- 
ment, and supposed to be perfectly secure, as the 
guard were on duty at the op230site corner of Broad 
street, and a respectable person had the care of the 
State House, living on the same lot with it. The 
committee of safety having possessed themselves of 
the powder, pursued their object of securing the small 
arms also. The execution of this business was com- 
mitted to Daniel Cannon, William Johnson, Anthony 
Toomer, Edward Weyman, and Daniel Stevens. So 
admirably was it arranged and executed, that com- 
mencing at eleven oVlock at night of the 21st April, 
they had before daylight removed eight hundred 
stands of arms, two hundred cutlasses, and many 
other important articles of military stores. The doors 
were of course l)roken open, and all the jiains and 
penalties incurred by these deputies, but they were 
countenanced and encouraged by the presence of 
several gentlemen of the committee of safety, and 
others of great influence. Among them were Colonel 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 55 

Charles Pinckney, president of tlie Provincial Con- 
gress, Colonel Henry Laurens, chairman of the execu- 
tive committee, Thomas Lynch, a member of the 
Continental Congress, Benjamin Huger, William Bull, 
a nephew of the governor, and William Llenry Dray- 
ton, another nephew, lately a member of his privy 
council. 

Although these proceedings were seen and heard at 
the guard house all night, and within hail of Gov- 
ernor Bull's residence in Broad street, where Page's 
Hotel now stands, yet there was no interruption 
offered, and the party separated after daylight. 
Many of the muskets were stored in the neighboring 
houses, and some of them sent to the blacksmith's 
shop of William Johnson, where he and his workmen 
were employed cleaning and repairing them for imme- 
diate, use if required. He, at least, did not shrink 
from his liabilities. A choice of evils or of risks and 
duties was imposed on him, by the intercepted orders 
of the British government, and he did not hesitate to 
decide on prompt energetic action. 

Governor Bull offered a reward for information of 
the persons engaged in this affair, and sent a message 
to the Commons House of Assembly, officially notify- 
ing them of the outrage, but the community favored 
them, and if any information was given, it never was 
acted on. Dr. Ramsay says that this was done on the 
night after the intelligence of actual hostilities was 
received in Charleston, and observes that " all statutes 
of allegiance were repealed on the plains of Lexing- 
ton." But he was certamly mistaken in point of 
time, for Governor Bull's message respecting it was 
dated on the 24th April, and Drayton informs us that 
previous to the arrival of the express by land, a vessel 
from Salem arrived on the 8th of May, bringing 
the particulars of the action. The two expeditions 
against the magazines proceeded on the night of the 
20th, the powder was delivered to General Gadsden 
on the morning of the 21st, and the arms were taken 
on the 7iight of the 21st of April, 1775. Both the 



56 TKADinOlSrS and REMrNlSCENCES OF 

committee and tlieir agents, therefore, deserve the 
more credit for their energy and daring. Again, both 
Weyman and William Johnson were certainly engag- 
ed both in the expedition to Hobcaw, and in the 
removal of the arms from the State House ; the two 
duties could not have been executed by the same men, 
on the same night, and both were certainly executed 
previously to the governor's message to the Legisla- 
ture. If in Massachusetts allegiance was repealed by 
the commencement of hostilities at Concord and Lex- 
ington, it was repealed in the South by the intercept- 
ed orders of the British government to commence the 
work of death ; orders that could not be denied or 
disputed. 



POWDER INTERCEPTED OFF ST. AUGUSTINE. 

Some of the letters intercepted on the 19th of 
April, were directed to John Stuart, Lidiau agent for 
the southern colonies, and showed that, in compliance 
with Ills ivishes^ a large shipment of powder would 
shortly be made, in the l)rig Betsy, Captain Loft- 
house, to St. Augustine, for the purpose of arming the 
Indians in support of "his majesty's government." 
The committee of safety determined to intercept 
this vessel, and seize the powder intended to equip 
the Indians for making inroads on the western parts 
of the three southern colonies. Other evidence was 
obtained, about the same time, that Stuart, through 
Cameron, his resident agent, had actually reconciled 
the disputes between the Cherokee and Creek Indians, 
which, until now, he had been fomenting, and had 
now united them against "his majesty's enemies," viz: 
the southern colonies, against which orders were 
issued to commence hostilities. 

The sloop Commerce, Captain Lampriere, with 
twenty-one armed men, was sent out for this purpose, 
with orders to take out the powder, by force, if 
necessary, and carry it into Beaufort. The expedi- 



THE A3EERICA2s^ REYOLUTIOX. 57 

tion succeeded perfectly; the brig was found at anchor 
off St. Augnstine bar, waiting for the tide to enter the 
harbor. Although she might have been defended by 
the armed men sent on board from St. Aus^ustine for 
that purpose, she was taken by surprise, and the 
powder put on board of the American sloop. To 
effect this, however, it was found necessary to compro- 
mise. Captain Lofthouse was individually liable for 
the private property, and he received a draft on Mr. 
John Edwards, a merchant of Charleston, for £'1000, 
sterling ; some money was also distributed among his 
people, for their trouble in assisting to remove the 
powder from the brig to the sloop. This was highly 
necessary, for the number of men being equal in the 
two vessel, the English may have risen on the Ameri- 
cans, when engaged in the hold, and have defeated 
the whole object. Captain Lampriere took from the 
brig one hundred and eleven barrels, one half barrel, 
and thirty kegs of powder, and arrived safe in Beau- 
fort, although pursued by British cruisers. Here 
other dangei-s attended : the royalists were disposed 
to seize both the sloop and powder, to prevent which, 
a flotilla of boats, with a competent force of aimed 
men, was sent from Charleston inland to Beaufort. 
William Johnson was one of this expedition, and the 
boat in which he went was commanded by Joseph 
Verree, a Liberty Tree associate. Drayton infonns 
us, that ninety-one barrels of this powder were deliv- 
ered by Captain Lampriere to the committee at 
Cumming's Point, on the western part of the city, but 
leaves the question open, what became of all the rest ? 
Here, tradition aids us in the difficulty. William 
Johnson told us that this portion of the powder was 
taken into the boats that the sloop might draw less 
water, and the risk be divided ; that when the flotil- 
la passed through into Stono river, they saw a boat 
full of people, rowing rapidly towards them. ^Lr. 
Verree, thinking it suspicious, ordered his men to 
examine their muskets, blow the priming out of the 
pans, and put fi-esh priming into them. This boat, 



58 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

however, proved to be a despatcli from the committee 
with orders for the open boats to dehver their freight 
of powder to a pilot boat, sent for that purpose to the 
Stono inlet. They found the pilot boat waiting at 
anchor for them, and signals being exchanged, their 
powder was delivered hj each boat, making up the 
apparent deficiency of twenty barrels, one half l^ai'rel 
and thirty kegs of powder. The boats now returned 
leisurely to Charleston, and there learned that the 
committee had been applied to for powder, to carry 
on the siege of Boston ; also that the royal governor, 
Lord William Campbell, having heard of the powder 
taken off St. Augustine, had sent out his cruisers to 
intercept it, if j^ossible. But the judicious measures 
of the committee defeated all his plans. The powder 
put on board of the pilot boat did some service in 
the battle of Bunker Hill, and the rest was received 
safe in Charleston. 



SEIZURE OF POWDER IN SAVANNAH RIVER, AND REVOLUTION 

IN GEORGIA. 

The executive committee of South-Carolina also 
obtained information from their energetic friends in 
Georgia, that Governor Wright and John Stuart had 
obtained from the British ministry permission for a 
large shipment of powder to be made to certain mer- 
chants in Savannah. Over this powder the royal 
government in Georgia, would have the control, so as 
to extend their influence over the Indians, to the 
great annoyance of the Americans. The committee 
determined that it must be intercepted, and for that 
purpose commissioned Captains John Barnwell and 

John Joyner to wait for the arrival of the ship , 

Captain Maitland, at the mouth of the Savannah river. 
Governor Wright of Georgia also determined to 
oppose this movement of the committee, by means of 
a schooner, commissioned for the occasion. The Caro- 
linians then concerted measures with the Georgia 
whigs, to fit out a schooner capable of overpowering 



THE AlVIERICAN REVOLUTION". 59 

both the English ship and schooner. Accordingly, as 
the colonial schooner came down the river, the gov- 
ernor's schooner went out to sea in great haste. 
Scarcely was she out of sight, when the expected ship 
with powder came in sight, was boarded by the 
colonial schooner, and 16,000 pounds of powder taken 
out of her, of which 9,000 pounds was the portion 
conceded to the Georgians. Captain Brown and Mr. 
Joseph Habersham commanded the Georgia volun- 
teers on this occasion, and we believe that all the 
information obtained on this subject by the Carolina 
committee was communicated by Mr. Habersham. 

This expedition gave great encouragement to the 
brave patriots of Georgia, but as yet they had not the 
power to adopt the non-importation system of the 
other colonies. Governor Wright was still at his post, 
and armed vessels were constantly in the river, sub- 
ject to his commands, particularly for breaking 
through the continental restrictions, if attempted in 
Georgia. They v/ere by far the youngest and most 
exposed of the colonies. They could not yet send 
delegates to the general Congress. Sequestration 
and Indian depredations would certainly have depop- 
ulated that colony. Congress appointed the 20th of 
June for a day of general humiliation and prayer. It 
was universally observed ; the people of Georgia 
cordially and devoutly observed it. Although not 
represented in that Assembly, yet their hearts were 
with the councils of their country, and their hands 
soon co-operated. 

Doctor N. W. Jones, Joseph Habersham, Edward 
Telfair, William Gibbon, Joseph Clay, John Milledge, 
and some others, broke into the magazine, and took 
out the powder. A council of safety was appointed, 
and in July, 1775, they acceded to the American 
association, but had not the power to enforce it. Two 
of the members of their council came to Charleston, 
to concert with their committee of safety, the course 
to be pursued. 

Some of the bravest and most honorable men in the 



60 TRADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

Union, were among the patriots of Georgia, but they 
were comparatively few, and their power small. 
Their council of safety was divided on almost every 
question or measure proposed, and could not act with 
energy and decision. The delegates from Georgia 
admitted that it would never do for South-Carolina to 
be restricted on one side of the river, while the disaf- 
fected portion of the Georgians were at liberty to 
import, export, and smuggle, on the other side of the 
same liver. They also agreed that these irregularities 
must be suppressed, even by force if necessary. 

Colonel Stephen Bull, of Beaufort, brother of the 
late lieutenant governor, a man as well known and as 
much liked in Georgia as at home, was sent there 
with four hundred men to support the patriots while 
they executed the needful work. This was soon and 
effectually done, after a smart action with the marines 
of the whole British fleet, and two of the lightest of 
their armed vessels. The outward bound merchant- 
men were seized and dismantled, the inward bound 
were mostly burnt with their cargoes, some escaped, 
and the armed vessels retired at the back of Hutchin- 
son's Island. Colonel Bull took no part in these 
movements ; the Georgians did the needful work. 

Mr. Joseph Habersham alone and unaided entered 
the house of Governor Wright, arrested him at his 
own table, surrounded by a convivial party of his 
friends, and paroled him to his own house. The gov- 
ernor soon after broke his parole, effected his escape, 
and went on board of one of his six armed vessels 
then lying at anchor off Cockspur ; but Georgia was 
left untrammeled. 



LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR WILLIAM BULL. 

This gentleman was a native of South Carolina, a 
well educated physician, descended from an old cava- 
lier family of great respectability. He had held this 
office many years, and during a large portion of that 



THE AMERICAlSr REVOLUTION. 61 

time had been the chief magistrate, exercising the 
office with great dignity and propriety. He was re- 
lated to most of the leading whigs, but faithful to the 
king, and honorable in all his transactions. His bro- 
ther, Stephen Bull, was colonel of one of the regiments 
first raised by South-Carolina, and supported the Geor- 
gians when struggling to expel the royal government. 
He had, also, at least, two nephews, conspicuous among 
the revolutionists. Governor Bull had a princely for- 
tune at stake in this revolution, but did not waver in 
his conscientious duty to his king. He believed that 
obedience to the royal government was a paramount 
duty, and acted accordingly. It was supposed by some 
writers that if William Bull had been made dic- 
tator in this crisis of American affairs, there may have 
been no revolution ; that his knowledge of the Ameri- 
can rights and feelings, his sense of justice and of true 
policy, would have restrained him from enforcing un- 
constitutional taxes on British subjects ; that his firm, 
patriotic and conciliating administration, would proba- 
bly have prevented the " ultima Q'cUioP But this was 
supposing too much — by supposing his peculiar admin- 
istration of affairs would be continued by his successor 
in office, and would even rule the various administra- 
tions of Great Britain, who insisted on a right to gov- 
ern in the colonies as well as Great Britain. 

The following anecdote of Governor Bull, was told 
to me by Dr. Samuel Wilson. Governor Bull was liv- 
ing in Broad street, where Page's Carolina Hotel now 
stands, and Dr. Wilson, at that time, next door to him. 
While the governor was walking one day between his 
residence and the State House — now the Court House — 
he was met by a plain, uneducated back countryman, 
who, staring at him with open mouth, stopped. The 
Governor also stopped, and civilly asked the country- 
man, " what is the matter, friend V The countryman 
replied, " really. Mister, you are the ugliest man that 
ever I saw in my life." The governor smiled, as if 
neither surprised nor displeased, and, with much good 



62 TRADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

humor, said, " but you would not say so, if ever you 
had seen my brother, Stephen." Par iiobile fratrwm. 
Governor Bull was so great a favorite in South-Ca- 
rolina, that parents frequently named their children 
after him. There was a plain, respectable man then 
in Charleston, a tailor, named Frog. Influenced by 
some favor or patronage received from John Walters 
Gibbs, of facetious memory. Frog had asked Mr. Gibbs 
to be the godfather for his son, to be named John, 
after his proposed godfather. Mr. Gibbs promptly 
assented, and the day was appointed for the ceremony. 
When the parties met, and were going together up to 
the font, Mr. Gibbs asked permission to give the child 
an intermediate name, after their worthy governor. 
Bull. Permission was of course granted, and the child 
was baptised John Bull ; the ceremony was over, and 
the parties separated in great good humor. But when 
the whole name was pronounced, and the child called 
John Bull Frog, the parents were dismayed ; the citi- 
tizens all joined in the laugh, and all the Frogs, little 
and big, hopped off to escape the continued jests.* 

Lord William Campbell, the last of the royal gov- 
ernors, was the third brother of the Duke of Argyle. 
He arrived in Charleston, after the first seizure of 
arms and ammunitions, relieving Governor Bull from 
his painful duties and responsibilities. He was married 
to Miss Sarah Izard, a young lady of one of the best 
families in the Province, and one of the richest.f They 

* See Anecdotes of John Walters Gibbs in Appendix. 

f She was the sister of Walter and Ralph Izard, and remained in 
Charleston, after the governor had gone on board of the British cruiser, 
treated with all due deference and respect. But, unfortunately, the 
governor caused the capture, among others, of a sloop, owned by 
Samuel and Benjamin Legare, merchants of this city. They obtained 
an order from the executive committee for reprisal on the governor's 
property. The execution was levied on his carriage and horses, wliich 
liad been ordered out for the use of his lady. This was not right, and 
the committee ordered them to be restored, but my Lady Campbell 
was indignant, and would not receive them ; they were, consequently, 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. 63 

lived in Meeting street, in tlie house now owned and 
occupied by Judge D. E. Huger, in a very becoming 
style of taste and elegance. Finding, on his arrival, 
that the revolutionary establishment of executive com- 
mittees had superseded the royal authority, and that 
he could effect nothing by direct means, he intrigued 
with the royalists in the north-west part of the Pro- 
vince, assuring them that troops w^ould soon be sent 
out to all the colonies to re-establish the officers of the 
crown in their places and powers. His proceedings 
were discovered by the revolutionists, and evidence of 
it obtained, by address, from his own lips. On being 
confronted by this evidence, he found his situation 
hazardous on shore, and took refuge on board of one 
of the sloops of war, the Cherokee and the Tamar, 
then at anchor in the harbor. 

As these vessels annoyed the trade of Charleston, 
by capturing vessels going in and coming out of the 
port, the committee of safety determined to dislodge 
them, by taking Fort Johnson, under the guns of which 
they were anchored. 

Orders were accordingly issued to Col. Motte, who 
detached Captain T. Hey ward's company of the Charles- 
ton Artillery, with others, to effect this duty. They 
embarked after dark, in open boats provided for that 
purpose, well supplied with arms, ammunition, and 
every thing necessary to take the fort and retain pos- 
session of it. Unfortunately, just after they had em- 
barked, they were overtaken by a severe gale of wind 
from the east, with heavy rain. They persevered, not- 
withstanding these difficulties, and were driven by the 
gale about two miles westward of the fort. Here they 
landed, without a dry thread upon them ; their ammu- 
nition all wet, and their match ropes and port fires all 
ruined. But their ardor was not damped, with the 

sold, and the proceeds received by the prosecutors. While they were 
watching for an additional attachment or levy, the property was secretly 
removed through the back of their lot to boats in the creek, which then 
flowed up where Water street now is, and she escaped with the furni- 
ture and servants on board of the cruisers. 



64 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

dampness of all their equipment ; their bayonets were 
as good as ever, and with stout hearts and strong arms 
they determined to attack the fort, and send back for 
further supplies. They marched forward with this 
resolution, and fortune favored their brave enterprise. 
They advanced, expecting every moment to receive a 
volley which they could not return, and advanced in 
silence, but met with no opposition ; not even the chal- 
lenge of a sentinel was heard ; the British troops had 
evidently abandoned the fort in haste ; the guns were 
dismounted or overturned, and every thing left in great 
confusion. Every thing being wet with the rain, they 
could not flash a pistol, or otherwise strike a light. 
William Johnson being a private in Captain Hey ward's 
company, w^as one of this expedition; while groping 
his way in the dark, his foot struck against something 
in one of the barracks, which, on examination, proved 
to l)e a bag belonging to the British gunner. On 
opening it, the first thing tliat he put his hand upon was 
a tinder box and matches. These gave him light, and 
kindled a fire. Then, he found in the bag a hammer, 
a cold chisel, and files ; then gimlets, nails, &c. They 
could now see the situation of the cannon and carri- 
ages, and could now proceed actively to clear and re- 
mount them. Captain Robert Cochran had been sent 
down with the expedition, probably in command of 
the flotilla. He rendered them important aid in mount- 
ing the cannon, by his skill in w^orking the blocks and 
tackles, after the guns had been detached from the car- 
riages, by means of the cold chisels, files, etc. By the 
dawn of day three of the cannon were mounted, am- 
munition and balls found in the fort, the guns loaded, 
and every thing ready for defence, except the match 
ropes, or other means of firing the guns. The ques- 
tion arose, what is to be done 'i William Johnson re- 
membered, that when an apprentice in New- York, 
during the Canada war, he had frequently made for 
the armed vessels in that port, what they called logger- 
heads, resembling those irons used by tinners for sol- 
dering, which, when heated red hot, would ignite pow- 



THE AJEERICAlSr EEVOLUTION. 65 

der, althougli damped by the spray or otherwise, better 
than any other means. He, accordingly, put the end 
of an iron crowbar into the fire, and, when red hot, 
brought it on his shoulder to the platform, saying that 
he was ready for the word " fire." 

But there proved to be no occasion for that order 
at this time. As soon as the king's ship discovered 
that the fort was in the hands of the rebels they drew 
off, anchored near Sullivan's Island, and were 
subsequently expelled from that position also, bearing 
off Lord William Campbell with them to Jamaica. 

But Lord William was a brave man, and when 
the expedition under Sir Henry Clinton was fitted 
out, in New-York, to attack Charleston, and overrun 
the Southern States, Lord William joined it, fought 
bravely on the quarter deck of the Bristol, by the 
side of Sir Peter Parker, believing that they could 
not fail of success, and that he would be replaced, in a 
few hours, as governor of South-Carolina. But he 
was woefully undeceived. He was badly wounded as 
well as Sir Peter. In that action the latter lost his leg, 
in consequence of his wound, and the former, Lord 
William Campbell, lost his life. Depressed in mind, 
and tortured in body from his wound, he sur^^ved 
about two years, and died in 1778, leaving a family, 
one of whom. Lady Johnstone, is still living. 

Among the numerous respectable British officers in 

America, there were many named Campbell. That 

so distinguished a family as that of Argyle, and one 

so uniformly loyal, should be sent to quell rebellion, 

will not surprise any one, who remembers the old 

Scotch song : 

The Campbells are coming, 
The rebels are running. 

Among them was Lieut. Colonel Colin Campbell, 
a cousin of Lord William, who also married a Miss 
Izard, a sister, I belie v'e, of Lady Campbell, conse- 
quently the aunt of JMi's. Poinsett and Mrs. Eustis. 
Colin Campbell was wounded in the battle of Stono, 
and left on the field in the care of a soldier. Contrary 

5 



66 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

to military usage, the soldier was considered a prison- 
er, as well as liis colonel, and both carried off by the 
Americans. Some correspondence ensued, and I 
believe it was correctly adjusted. But for the colo- 
nel, he was immediately paroled, and lived among his 
wife's relations, much more comfortably than he could 
have done in the boats or wagons returning to Savan- 
nah. On his recovery he was exchanged. They left 
no family or descendants, that I know of. 

General Mungo Campljell, father of Captain David 
Campbell, of the sixty-third regiment, was mortally 
wounded in the battle of Monmouth, New-Jersey, on 
the 18th of June, 1778, lu'avely resisting the attack 
made by General Washington on Sir Henry Clinton's 
army, in their retreat from Philadel]>hia to New-York. 
He was conveyed to that city by his retreating divis- 
ion, died there, and was buried in the cemetery 
of Trinity church, with a suitable monument and 
inscri])tion to his memory. 

A Lieutenant Colonel Campbell was killed in 
storming the American Fort Montgomery, on the Hud- 
son river, 7th October, 1777. 

A Lieutenant Colonel Campbell was taken by the 
American army, under General Washington, with five 
Hessian field officers, in the l^attle of Trenton, in 
December, 1777. 

Colonel Archibald Campbell, of the seventy-first 
regiment ; no higher or l)etter eulogium can be given 
on this distinguished officer, than that by Major Gar- 
den, in the 1st vol. of his anecdotes. 

Of Captain David Campbell, Major Garden also 
speaks in high terms of commendation ; ])y none was 
such commendation better merited. As captain of 
infantry, he did his duty fearlessly and faithfully, 
during his service in America, and at the close of the 
war went off with his command to Jamaica. There 
he sold his commission, and left the British service 
forever. Having formed an attachment for a young 
lady of South-Carolina, a descendant of Landgrave 
Smith, he returned and settled in this State, married, 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. 6T 

and became a highly respectable citizen. As such lie 
commanded a troop of volunteer cavalry, about the 
year 1799. Having lost his first wife, he again 
married a Carolinian, the daughter of Colonel Isaac 
Motte, one of the brave defenders of Fort Sullivan, 
and left a respectable family, among whom is Doctor 
Isaac Motte Campbell. 

Of Mad Archy, or mad Campbell, we know nothing, 
except while the British occupied Charleston ; we 
believe that this appellation was given him by his 
brother officers. An instance of Campbell's violence 
of temper was told to a lady still li^dng, (1851,) by 
the Kev. Edward Ellington, rector of St. James', 
Goose Creek. Captain Campbell once drove up to his 
house, accompanied by a young lady, who aj^peared 
agitated or alarmed; he called for the reverend gen- 
tleman to come out to him, and asked to be married 
to this lady. "Yes," was the answer, "with her consent, 
and that of her friends." Campbell then drew his 
pistols, and swore that he should marry them, or be 
put to death immediately. Such was the character 
and deportment of Campbell, that the minister did 
not dare to refuse ; he married them, and it proved to 
Jbe a case of abduction. The lady was Miss Paulina 
Phelp, of one of the most respectable families in the 
State. She told her friends that when Campbell was 
particular in his attentions, and flattered her, she had 
considered it nothing more than what all the British 
officers were in the habit of saying and doing, and 
supposed that Captain Campbell meant no more to 
her. That she had never promised to marry him, or 
intended to do so, and never consented except when 
terrified. They had one daughter by this marriagg,. 

At the battle of Videau's Bridge, in St. Thomas' 
Parish, the advanced companies of the two armies met 
near the club house, east of the bridge. In the onset 
the Americans under Col. B. Bichardson had a decid- 
ed advantage, beating and pursuing the British under 
Campbell over the causeway, into the field west of it, 
at Brebant. Here the want of Marion's experience 



68 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

produced a reverse. Many of Ms men were new on 
this occasion, and from want of discipline, 23ursued the 
flying enemy, until they came under the fire of his 
infantry. It is said that twenty of the Americans 
were killed by the first volley of musketry, and the 
rest in great confusion were charged by a fresh body 
of cavalry under Captain Cofi3.u, driven back over 
the bridge, and pursued until they met Marion ad- 
vancing. The British again retreated, but in good 
order,* 

When Campbell was pursued over the causeway, 
he became unhorsed, whether by the fall or death of 
his horse we are not informed. He got over the 
ditch, and having surrendered, was seated on the root 
of a tree, and a sentinel placed over him, to prevent 
his escape. But when Coffin pressed the Americans 
in their retreat, Campbell became impatient, and 
began to move oif, in hopes of resuming his command. 
The sentinel was the late Nicholas Venning, of Christ 
Church Parish. He cautioned Campbell not to stir, 
or he would be shot ; but Campbell disregarding the 
notice, continued to hurry oft', Venning, in comj)liance 
with his orders, fired at Campbell and killed him. 
Had Campbell kept his seat a few minutes longer, 
he would certainly have been recaptured by his own 
men. 

Of Crazy Campbell we know but little, except that 
with some eccentricities in his manner^ he was a very 
brave, honorable, humane man. In the pursuit after 

*If Colonel Richardson head halted one or two dozen of his mounted 
militia at this bridge, and bade them maintain it, all further pursuit 
would have been arrested, but "who can be valiant and wise?" I 
said that the charge upon the British in the first instance, was impru- 
dently continued by Marion's new men, but there were some veterans in 
this division. I was told by an eye witness, that in the hurry of their 
retreat, before Captain Coffin, they saw the body of a British officer 
■who had been killed in Campbell's retreat. This officer had a good 
pair of boots on, which being observed by one of the retreating party, 
he stopped his horse, dismounted, put one foot into the dead man's 
crutch, pulled off both boots, stuffed them into his pockets, and rode 
off with his prize. This was an old soldier! 



THE AMEEICAN REVOLUTION. 69 

Colonel Isaac Hayne, it was Crazy Campbell's compa- 
ny of cavalry that came upon him, at Mrs. Ford's 
house. Campbell in person captured Colonel Hayne. 
Campbell did his duty, but often expressed his deep 
regret at the final event, and his indignation that 
such a gentleman should suffer such a death. He 
went so far as to say, that if he could have supposed 
it, he would rather have killed Colonel Hayne in 
the pursuit, that he might have died the death of a 
soldier. 

Of Smart Archy Campbell we know nothing, and 
suppose the distinction attached to his name, arose 
from some peculiarity in his dress or deportment; 
possibly from his gallantry among the ladies. Some 
such appellation was needed among the numerous 
Cam23bells. ^/ 

Lazarus Campbell was so called, from a wound or 
other injury to his leg — he had a sore leg. He was 
billeted at the house of Colonel Barnard Beekman, 
the same which now stands at the south-west corner of 
Hasel street and East Bay. It was thought by many 
that he made the most of his sore leg, obtaining, on 
that account, exemj^tion from arduous field duty, during 
the greater part of his residence there. When the 
town was about to be evacuated by the British, its 
inhabitants were very apj^rehensive of violence by the 
licentious soldiery, on leaving a place where evidence 
of their misdeeds could neither be adduced nor sent 
after them. When there were ladies in the families 
where ofiicers were billeted, they generally offered, 
and were sometimes requested by the ladies, to stay as 
long on the j^remises as possible, or until the soldiers 
were paraded. Campbell had behaved well in Colonel 
Beekman's family, and was respected. It so happened 
on the morning of embarkation, that he overstayed the 
appointed time, and in his hurry down to the boats 
was seen to " get along" very well ; and, it was ob- 
served of him, that " leg or no leg, he was very nimble 
in the heels." 

We are not informed whether either or any of these 



TO TKADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

Campbells were at tlie memorable defence of Savan- 
nah, but we learn from Mrs. Mary Broun, that her 
husband, Archibald Broun, captain of a light infantry 
company, there witnessed an interesting scene. He 
was ordered, as one of the American detachment, after 
the battle to bury the dead. One Campbell, a mem- 
ber of his company, went with him on this melancholy 
duty. He there met an officer, in the British uniform, 
whom he recognized as his brother. The recognition 
was mutual and simultaneous. The two brothers gazed 
for a moment at each other with much emotion, and 
then, impelled by youthful recollections and fraternal 
affection, rushed into each others arms. They met as 
enemies, but parted as brothers. They both continued 
true to the family character, each faithful to the cause 
in which he had embarked. 



TARRING AND FEATHERING. 

This singular punishment, in popular commotions, 
has, by many, been considered peculiar to America, 
and alone practised by the whigs against the tories in 
their revolution. It is not so. The first instance on 
record that I have been able to find or hear of, in our 
revolution, was on the 8th of March, 1775, six weeks 
before the battle of Lexington. It was practised by a 
part of the 47th British regiment, on the person of an 
American, an inhabitant of the town of Billerica, in 
Massachusetts, about twenty miles from Boston. The 
select men of that place immediately sent a strong but 
respectful remonstrance to the royal governor of that 
Province, which may be read in the London Remem- 
brancer, of 1775, page 62. What due attention was 
paid to this complaint, by his most excellent majesty, 
or by his majesty's royal governor, or other royal offi- 
cers, I am not informed ; but the exam2)le having been 
set by one of the highest British officers in America, it 
soon brought down retaliation on the heads of their 
adherents in America. 



THE AMERICAN KEVOLUTIOlSr. 71 

We do not pretend that ancient usage can justify or 
excuse the violation of law or personal rights, but con- 
tend that tarring and feathering was practised in Eng- 
land four or five hundred years before these events in 
America. It was even sanctioned by law in the reign 
of their heroic king, Richard I., the Lion of Crusaders. 
We have seen the following extract from one of his 
enactments : " If any one of the crusaders going to 
Jerusalem, shall be convicted of stealing, his head shall 
be close shaved like a prize fighter, melted pitch poured 
upon him, and then he shall be covered with feathers, 
that he may be known to be a thief. Afterwards, he 
shall be put on shore at the first land made by the 
ship." With these examples before them, it is not to 
be wondered at, that the Americans, when sorely pro- 
voked, should follow the example of their rulers, and 
wish to do more. The following toast may show it : 

" May feathers and tar be tlieir next birth-day suit, 
And the block be the fate of North, Mausfield and Bute." 

In June, 1775, two men were j^roved to have threat- 
ened and ill-treated another for taking the part of the 
executive committee, whom they were abusing. The 
secret committee ordered those two men to be tarred 
and feathered, and then sent out of the country. This 
having been entrusted to persons of discretion, was exe- 
cuted without rioting or other personal injury to the 
offenders. But Drayton, in his 2d vol., page 17, gives 
several instances, some of which caused great disquietude 
to the late crown officers and non-associators. The exe- 
cutive committee now saw that the mob would take 
the matter out of their hands, unless immediately 
restrained ; they, therefore, put a stop to further pro- 
ceedings in this line. 



ANECDOTES OF JOHN WALTERS GIBBS. 

Many anecdotes were told of John Walters Gibbs, 
but few of which are now remembered. Besides being 
a great humorist, he was a gentleman in character and 



72 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

deportment. It is well known that rum (made by dis- 
tillation from fermented sugar or molasses) was drank 
almost universally, at tliat time, in America. Many 
were intemperate in the use of it, and among others, a 
man of some note, named Hill, had become a drunk- 
ard, and his life was shortened in consequence. Mr. 
Gibbs wrote the following epigram at the time of his 
death : 

The essence of the dulcet cane, 

Has sunk a " Hill" six feet beneath the plain. 

After the revolution, Mr. Gibbs found himself, like 
most others, in narrow circumstances, and opened a 
counting-house, in his former line, as broker and auc- 
tioneer. He was uneducated in the Wall street school, 
and, after various expedients to draw attention and 
obtain employment, he said that he was so much re- 
duced, that he was alarmed if he heard his wife speak 
of going out, lest she should purchase something that 
he was unal)le to pay for, and thus expose his poverty. 
At length, he advertised a sum of money to be loaned 
out, when he had scarcely enough to pay for the ad- 
vertisement. This brought many applicants to his 
office ; he had never seen so many customers there 
before. To all of them he expressed himself very 
sorry that they had come so late, the money was all 
disposed of, but he expected to have more shortly, tfec. 
It happened, beyond his expectations, that a gentleman 
called to say that having read his advertisement, he 
had come, not to borrow, but to loan money through 
his agency, supposing him to be best acquainted with 
the relative credits of borro^vers. This was just what 
Mr. Gi])bs wanted ; it gave him not only commissions, 
but credit and custom. He could now speculate, and 
as opportunity offered, would sell out at a profit. 

Shoi'tly after this, a gang of negroes was sent to him 
for sale, and, about the same time, an English merchant 
called with an invoice of wigs, to inquire if there was 
any chance of selling them. He had been misled by 
some wag in England, punning on the party term whig, 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 73 

who said that whigs were all the rage now in America. 
Mr. Gibbs promptly undertook to sell the wigs, and 
advertised to sell the negroes on a certain day, each 
liaving on a new and fashionahle ivig. Accordingly, 
on the day of sale a great company assembled, and the 
negroes were put up for sale, each with a powdered wig 
over his natural black wool, and each wig to be paid 
for at a guinea a piece, let the negroes sell for what 
they may. The novelty of the scene and Mr. Gibbs' 
humor, inspired the assembled people ; the bids were 
very lively and li]:)eral ; the negroes were all well 
sold, and the powdered, old-fashioned wigs, with long 
cues and great rolls of curls, all brought a guinea a 
piece in addition. 

During the revolution, when the citizens were har- 
rassed by frequent drafts to serve in the militia, and 
substitutes were hired to relieve them from the duty, 
Mr. Gibbs was still ready to amuse himself and others. 
He was one day on the vendue table, professionally 
engaged, when a green-looking backwoodsman looked 
u]), and asked " what he was doing thar." Mr. Gibbs 
whispered, in answer, that he would put the country- 
man in a way of making 200 or 300 dollars, if he 
would come up there, and not interrupt him. He im- 
mediately set up the countryman for sale, as a substi- 
tute, to the highest bidder. " Here, gentlemen, is an 
able-bodied substitute — will serve three months for him 
who will j^ay him best. You all see that he is sound, 
sober, honest, and no runaway. Who bids $100 ? I 
will warrant him full of blood and guts and courage. 
Who bids $150, 150, 200, 250 ? Til knock him down." 
At this apparent threat, the countryman turned short 
round to defend himself " That's a brave fellow," 
said Mr. Gibbs, " see how ready he is to fight. He is 
worth $50 more to any man. Who will give $300 for 
this fine fellow ? It's your bid, sir, $300 ; he is yours, 
sir." The countryman now asked, for the first time, 
what he was to do ; and, on being told that he must 
go and fight the British, tories and Indians, he said 
very dryly, " I be darned if I do." After some further 



^74 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

bantering, tliey agreed to let the countryman off, if lie 
would treat them to a bowl of punch. 

In connection with this story, Mr. Gibl)S also told of 
an illiterate man, who, wanting to employ a sul)stitute, 

inquired of him where he could engage a p e. 

With perfect gravity, Mr. Gibbs directed him to a 
house where he might be certain of obtaining one. Of 
course, he never inquired about further proceedings in 
this case. 

During the revolution, Mr. Gibbs was frequently on 
guard duty in the volunteer company to which he was 
attached. He observed that one member of the com- 
pany was always ready to answer at roll-call, morning 
and evening, but never could be found when his squad 
was called out in turn for patrol. Mr. Gil )bs found, by 
watching, that this gentleman always retired into the 
church, at which the company were stationed, and slept 
all night in the pulpit. For more reasons than one, 
he determined to expose the trick practised on them, 
and prevent its continuance. When they were again 
going on duty, Mr. G. i:>rocured a calf, and secured it 
secretly in the pulpit before the meeting of the com- 
pany. After roll-call, his sleepy companion strolled 
off as usual. Mr. G. kept his eye upon him, but said 
nothing. After a while, a tremendous outcry and 
downfall was heard in the church, and Mr. G., taking 
a light, called on the company present to go with him, 
and see if any thing su}:)ernatural would make its ap- 
pearance. The group soon arrived at the foot of the 
pulpit stairs, and, to their astonishment, found their 
comrade prostrate on the floor, and the calf, dazzled by 
the light, standing mutely over him. After removing 
the calf, their conn-ade came to his senses, and d(K'lared 
that t\^hen he heard the scraping and rattling made by 
the cloven-footed animal in the pulj^it, he really be- 
lieved it to be the devil, come to punish him for his 
irreverence in this case, and for other sins. After this, 
if ever negligent of duty, his fellow soldiers would only 
bleat at him like a calf, and he became very punctual. 

On one occasion, Mr. Gibbs invited a party to dine 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTIOjST. 75 

with him, of whom only one or two were his old con- 
vivial associates in fun and frolic. The rest were all 
habitual stutterers, and the more they stuttered, the 
better suited to his purpose. He arranged them at 
table, so as to increase the effect. Each one was polite- 
ly asked what he would be helped to, what part he 
would prefer, &c. ; and, while trying hard to express 
their wishes and thanks, there was a general display of 
grimaces, with uncouth but unutterable sounds. Each 
guest must be content to eat what was before him, or 
be laughed at, in his fruitless endeavors to ask for what 
he would have preferred. 

Some of the guests were displeased at the evident 
intention of their host, but were so well plied with his 
excellent wine, so well filled with his good cheer, so 
well amused with his social and entertaining conversa- 
tion, and with the good stories and jokes of those who 
did not stutter, that they at last retired in good humor 
with Mr. Gibbs, and all the world besides. 



T6 TEADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 



CHAPTEK III. 



Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence — Colonel Thomas Polk of 
Charlotte, North-Carolina — Troops enlisted in South-Carolina — 
Captain Barnard Elliott — Major James Ladson — Colonel William 
Thompson — Royalists in South-Carolina — John Stuart — Legend of 
Bloody Point. 

We have seen that the first acts of rebellion in 
South-Carolina, were simultaneous with the battle of 
Lexington. On the 19th of Aj^ril, 1775, the desi^atches 
from the British ministry, to the royal governors in 
the South, commanding them to commence hostilities, 
were seized by order of the council of safety, and the 
arms and ammunition in the king's stores consequent- 
ly taken possession of by the rebels. No notice of 
these movements in Charleston were despatched to 
the neighboring Provinces, as far as I am informed; 
but the good people of Boston immediately sent by 
express the notice of hostilities having been com- 
menced at that time. Even by express, it did not 
reach Charlotte, in North-Carolina, until the 19th of 
May, and even then it would appear that the move- 
ments in Charleston were not known in Charlotte. 
The inhabitants assembled on the 19tli of May, 
appointed a committee to consider and report on the 
circumstances ; and on the 20tli the following declara- 
tion was reported, adopted, and published, as the 
Mecklenburg declaration of independence. 

The copy here attached is from a handbill, the 
oldest publication of the Mecklenburg declaration yet 
found in |)rint. It is beautifully printed, witli a great 
variety of lettering in a new tyjie, which elderly 
printers agree was not the type used during the 
revolution. They pronounce them to be American 
types, and that this handbill could not have been 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 77 

printed earlier tliaii 1800. It can, therefore, be only 
a reprint of the original declaration, especially as it 
contains only the three first resolutions, they alone 
declaring the total separation from Great Britain. 
The other three contain temporary provisions for self- 
government, and for preserving order in their little 
community. Colonel Thomas Polk was the one who 
convened the meeting of delegates, from the different 
companies of his regiment, and he read the declara- 
tion from the steps of the Court House to the people ; 
but it was written by Doctor Ephraim Brevard, one 
of the secretaries to the convention of delegates. The 
other three resolutions are as follows, and were read 
by J. McKnit Alexander, the other secretary. 

"4th. Resolved^ That we do hereby ordain and adopt as rules of 
conduct, all and each of our former laws, and the crown of Great 
Britain cannot be considered, hereafter, as holding any rights, privile- 
ges, or immunities among us. 

5th. Resolved, That all oflBcers, civil and military, in this county, be 
entitled to exercise the same powers and authorities as heretofore — 
that every member of this delegation shall be henceforth a civil officer, 
and exercise the powers of a justice of the peace, issue process, hear 
and determine controversies according to law, preserve peace, union 
and harmony, in the county, and use every exertion to spread the love 
of liberty and of country, until a more general and better organized 
system of government be established. 

6th. Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted, by 
express, to the president of the Continental Congress, assembled at 
Philadelphia, to be laid before that body." 

With a foresight highly honorable to the leaders in 
this revolutionary movement, this convention adjourn- 
ed to meet again in ten days, that they might be able 
to reflect coolly on the measures adopted in the 
warmth of their patriotic feelings, and amend them 
where apparently defective. They met accordingly, 
and adopted the last series of these resolutions, and 
ordered them to be published in the newspapers for 
information to their constituents and fellow patriots ; 
to be to themselves, also, the source of authority, and 
rule of conduct in the administration of civil concerns, 
and adjustment of personal difficulties, in their respec- 
tive jurisdictions. 



78 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

One copy of those resolutions was sent to England, 
by Governor William Try on, to inform tlie colonial 
department of the energetic movements in both Caro- 
linas, and was lately discovered there, by our minister, 
Mr. Bancroft, a copy of it taken, and sent out to the 
Historical Society of North-Carolina. Another copy 
of it was also discovered in the Charleston Library, 
by myself, much about the same time, but a little 
before Mr. Bancroft, printed in Timothy's Carolina 
Gazette, of the 13th June, 17*75. A copy of this was 
taken and sent to Governor D. L. Swain, the presi- 
dent of that society ; but the original publication of 
the Mecklenburg declaration has not yet been discov- 
ered. It is not, however, considered lost. 

The evident similarity in several parts of the 
Mecklenburg declaration, with that universally known 
as proceeding from the pen of Mr. Jefferson, more 
than thirteen months after the first in date, has led to 
various 23ublications on the subject, producing some 
irritation between the parties espousing the credit of 
originality. Mr. Jefferson has denied having seen or 
heard of the North-Carolina declaration, at the time 
of his drawing up that of the 4th July, 1776. How- 
ever extraordinary this may appear, when a copy of 
the North-Carolina declaration was ordered to be sent 
to the Continental Congress, yet we are bound to 
respect his word and character. We think that the 
apparent difficulty may be reconciled, by referring 
both documents to some common origin, some state 
paper published on a similar occasion. We think 
that we have a clue to this source of both declara- 
tions, in the education of Mr. Jefterson by private 
tutors, from Scotland, of the Presbyterian religion; 
and in the early history of Mecklenburg county, 
showing that the first settlers were of that religion, 
mostly, I believe, from the north of Ireland, and 
occasionally called the Scotch Irish. The valleys of 
the Catawba and of the Yadkin, both in North and 
South-Carolina, were mostly settled by such firm 
decided opponents of royal misrule ; all familiar with 



THE AMEBIC AN KEVOLUTION. 79 

the history of their Puritan forefathers. The earliest 
and most minute history of their wars in defence of 
their civil and religious rights, is by Rush worth, in his 
historical collections, and that abounds in the official 
papers announcing their resolutions and proceedings 
in their various trials, afflictions, and triumphs, Jef- 
ferson distinctly says: "With the help, therefore, of 
Rushworth, whom we rummaged over for the revolu- 
tionary precedents and forms of the Puritans of that 
day, preserved by him, we cooked up resolutions, 
somewhat modernizing their phrases, for appointing 
the 1st day of June, on which the port bill was to 
commence, for a dav of fasting- humiliation and 
prayer," &c. 



From Timothy's Carolina Gazette, of 13th June, ITTS. 
SECOND SERIES OF RESOLUTIONS IN MECKLENBURG, NORTH- 
CAROLINA. 

Charlotte Town, ) 

Mecklenburg County, May Z\st, ITIS. j 

This day the committee of this county met, and 
passed the following resolves : 

Whereas, by an address presented to his majesty by 
both Houses of Parliament, in February last, the Ame- 
rican colonies are declared to be in a state of actual 
rebellion, we conceive that all laws and commissions 
confirmed by, or derived from, the authority of the 
king or Parliament, are annulled and vacated, and the 
former civil constitution of these colonies, for the pre- 
sent, wholly suspended. To provide, in some degree, 
for the exigencies of this county, in the present alarm- 
ing period, we deem it proper and necessary to pass 
the following resolves, viz : 

1st. That all commissions, civil and military, heretofore granted by 
the crown, to be exercised in these colonies, are null and void, and the 
constitution of each particular colony wholly suspended. 

2d. That the Provincial Congress of each Province, under the direc- 
tion of the great Continental Congress, is invested with all legislative 
and executive powers within their respective Provinces ; and that no 
other legislative or executive power does or can exist, at this time, in 
any of these colonies. 



80 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

3d. As all former laws are now suspended in this Province, and the 
Congress have not yet provided others, we judge it necessary, for the 
better preservation of good order, to form certain rules and regulations 
for the internal government of the county, until laws shall be provided 
for us by the Congress. 

4th. That the inhabitants of this county do meet on a certain day 
appointed by this committee, and having formed themselves into nine 
companies, (to wit) eight in the county, and one in the town of Char- 
lotte, do choose a colonel, and other military officers, who shall hold 
and exercise their several powers by virtue of this choice, and indepen- 
dent of the crown of Great Britain, and former constitution of this 
Province. 

5th. That for the better preservation of the peace and administration 
of justice, each of those companies do choose from their own body, two 
discreet freeholders, who shall be empowered, each by himself and sin- 
gly, to decide and determine all matters of controversy, arising within 
said company, under the sum of twenty shillings ; and jointly and to- 
gether, all controversies under the sum of forty shillings ; yet, so as 
that their decisions may admit of appeal to the convention of the select 
men of the county ; and, also, that any one of these men shall have 
power to examine and commit to confinement persons accused of petit 
larceny. 

6th. That those two selectmen, thus chosen, do jointly and together 
choose from the body of their particular company, two persons, pro- 
perly qualified to act as constables, who may assist them in the execu- 
tion of their office. 

"Tth. That upon the complaint of any persons to either of these 
selectmen, he do issue his warrant, directed to the constable, command- 
ing him to bring the aggressor before him or them, to answer said 
complaint. 

8th. That these eighteen selectmen, thus appointed, do meet every 
third Thursday in January, April, July and October, at the Court 
House, in Charlotte, to hear and determine all matters of controversy, 
for sums exceeding forty shillings, also appeals ; and in cases of felony, 
to commit the person or persons convicted thereof to close confinement, 
until the Provincial Congress shall provide and establish laws and modes 
of proceeding in all such cases. 

9th. That these eighteen selectmen, thus convened, do choose a 
clerk, to record the transactions of said convention ; and that said 
clerk, upon the application of any person or persons aggrieved, do issue 
his warrant to one of the constables of the company to which the 
offender belongs, directing said constable to summons and warn said 
offender to appear before the convention at their next sitting, to answer 
the aforesaid complaint. 

10th. That any person making complaint upon oath, to the clerk, or 
any member of the convention, that he has reason to suspect that any 
person or persons indebted to him, in a sum above forty shillings, intend 
clandestinely to withdraw from the county, without paying such debt, 
the clerk or such member, shall issue his warrant to the constable, 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTIOlSr. 81 

commanding liim to take said person or persons into safe custody, 
until the next sitting of the convention. 

11th. That when a debtor for a sum below forty shillings, shall 
abscond and leave the county, the warrant granted as aforesaid, shall 
extend to any goods or chattels of said debtor as may be found, and 
such goods or chattels be seized and held in custody by the constable, 
for the space of thirty days ; in which time, if the debtor fail to return 
and discharge the debt, the constable shall return the warrant to one of 
the selectmen of the company, where the goods are found, who shall 
issue orders to the constable to sell such part of said goods as shall 
amount to the sum due ; that when the debt exceeds forty shillings, the 
return shall be made to the convention, who shall issue orders for sale. 

12th. That all receivers and collectors of quit rents, public and county 
taxes, do pay the same into the hands of the chairman of this commit- 
tee, to be by them disbursed, as the public exigencies may require ; and 
that such receivers and collectors proceed no further in their office, until 
they be approved of by, and have given to, this committee, good and 
sufficient security for a faithful return of such monies when collected. 

13th. That the committee be accountable to the county for the appli- 
cation of all monies received from such public officers. 

14th. That all these officers hold their commissions during the plea- 
sure of their several constituents. 

15th. That this committee will sustain all damages that ever here- 
after may accrue to all or any of these officers thus appointed and thus 
acting, on account of their obedience and conformity to these resolves. 

16th. That whatever person shall hereafter receive a commission from 
the crown, or attempt to exercise any such commission heretofore re- 
ceived, shall be deemed an enemy to his country ; and, upon informa- 
tion being made to the captain of the company in which he resides, the 
said company shall cause him to be apprehended, and conveyed before 
the two selectmen of the said company, who, upon proof of the fact, 
shall commit him, the said offender, to safe custody, until the next sit- 
ting of the committee, who shall deal with him as prudence may direct. 

17th. That any person refusing to yield obedience to the above re- 
solves, shall be considered equally criminal, and liable to the same pun- 
ishment as the offender above last mentioned. 

18th. That these resolves be in full force and virtue, until instructions 
from the Provincial Congress, regulating the jurisprudence of the Pro- 
vince, shall provide otherwise, or the legislative body of Great Britain 
resign its unjust and arbitrary pretensions with respect to America. 

19tli. That the eight mihtia companies in the county provide them- 
selves with proper arms and accoutrements, and hold themselves in 
readiness to execute the commands and directions of the General Con- 
gress of this Province and of this committee. 

20th. That the committee appoint Colonel Thomas Polk and Dr. 
Joseph Kenedy, to purchase 300 lbs. of powder, 600 lbs. of lead, and 1000 
flints, for the use of the militia of this county, and deposit the same in 
such place as the committee may hereafter direct. 
Signed by the order of the Committee. 

EPHRAIM BREVARD, Clerk of Committee. 
6 



82 TEADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 



COLONEL THOMAS POLK, OF CHARLOTTE, NORTH-CAROLINA. 

This gentleman was originally a surveyor in the 
soutb-western ])ortion of North-Carolina ; his education 
not acquired within the classic walls of a college, but 
practically obtained, at intervals, from his occupations 
in the hills, vallies and forests of that Province. He 
thus became universally known and respected. No man 
possessed more influence in that part of North-Caro- 
lina. He was uniformly a member of their Legisla- 
ture, and was elected colonel of the militia in Mecklen- 
burg county ; Adam Alexander was the lieutenant 
colonel, John Phifer the 1st major, and John David- 
son the 2d major. 

In consultation with his neighbors, the Alexanders 
and Dr. Brevard, it was thought necessary to express 
their opinions of the political relations of America 
with Great Britain, particularly of the Boston port 
bill, and the late arrival of numerous British troops in 
Boston. It was agreed that he, as the military head, 
should issue a notice to officers of each company in his 
regiment, convening them on the 19th of May, to con- 
sult on civil and military concerns. The officers met 
at the time appointed, not knowing of any political 
excitement, Init it happened, providentially, that on 
the same day the express arrived from Boston, with 
printed statements of the attack on Concord, by the 
British troops, and the battle of Lexington which en- 
sued. There was no longer conjecture or apprehension 
of what might be done by the soldiers to the citizens. 
Here was an outrage, attended hj hostilities ; the war 
had commenced, and they resolved to meet the exi- 
gency by the measures which have been detailed. 

The first opportunity for proving his zeal, aftbrded 
to Colonel Polk, was in South-Carolina, in the winter 
of 177'). The tories in the north-western part of the 
State had embodied themselves under Fletchal, Cun- 
ningham and others, with the inducements held out to 
them by Sir WiUiam Campbell, the last of the royal 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 83 

governors. They liad attacked tlie whigs, under Gene- 
ral Williamson, besieged him. in Cambridge, Ninety- 
Six, and forced him to capitulate. The council of 
safety ordered out General Richard Richardson's bri- 
gade of militia, supported by Colonel William Thom- 
son's new regiment of rangers, and called on the whigs 
of North-Carolina to aid in crushing the royalists. They 
did not hesitate or delay, but marched into the upper 
districts, under Colonels Polk, Rutherford, Martin and 
Graham, with about nine hundred men. Colonel Polk 
took with him his oldest son, Charles, who was wound- 
ed in a skirmish with the enemy. The royalists were 
completely vanquished, and did not again give any 
trouble, until the fall of 1780, nearly five years. 

When North-Carolina raised four regiments of con- 
tinentals, the Legislature elected Colonel Thomas Polk 
to the command of the 4th regiment. We have not 
heard of his adventures during the exciting scenes of 
General Gates' advance and disastrous flight through 
that part of North-Carolina, but cannot doubt of his 
untiring energy and resistance to the British army, 
under Lord Cornwallis, when we know that he called 
Mecklenburg " the hornet's nest." This gentleman was 
uncle of the late President, James K. Polk. 

When General Greene succeeded to the command of 
the Southern army, we find the following letter re- 
corded : 

" Camp Chaelotte, Becemher I5th, 1780. 
To Colonel Folk : 

Sir : — I find it will be impossible to leave camp as early 
as I intended, as Colonel Kosciusko has made no report yet, respecting 
a position upon Peedee. I must, therefore, beg you to continue the 
daily supplies of the army, and keep in readiness the three days provi- 
sions beforehand. I have just received some intelligence from Governor 
Nash and from Congress, which makes me wish to see you. 

I am, &c., 

NATHANIEL GREENE." 

This letter bears strong evidence of Greene's confi- 
dence in the energy, punctuality and patriotism of 
Colonel Polk, who, at that time, owned mills in the 
neighborhood of Charlotte, and kept a store in the 



84 TEADITIOXS AND REJnNISCENCES OF 

village. General Greene wished to communicate per- 
sonally to Colonel Polk, intelligence from Congress, 
wliicli he did not think proper to write. 

In the fall of 1782, while a child, I remained two or 
three months in Charlotte with my father's family. I 
remember to have seen the then General Polk and his 
sons repeatedly. The general was plain and unassum- 
ing in his deportment, more like a farmer or miller 
than a general ; the sons were wild, frolicsome blades, 
four in number, named Charles, William, James and 
Ezekiel. I there heard it told that the general was, on 
some occasion, speaking of highway robberies, some- 
times committed by a single man. He ex]3ressed his 
surprise at their frequent occurrence, without capture or 
resistance, and went on to say that he had never been 
robbed, and no single man would dare attemj^t it. His 
sons all heard it, and Charles resolved to try him. 
Hearing that his father was going on some bye-road to 
receive a sum of money, he waylaid him, and demand- 
ed the instant delivery of all that he had. The father 
grasj^ed at his pistols, but Charles was too quick for 
him, and seeing a pistol, as he supposed, presented to 
his breast, he gave up the money, and went home very 
much fretted and mortified at the result. After some 
condolence with their father, the young men inquired 
the cause of his depression, and offered their aid in any 
difficulties. He theu told them that he had been 
robbed of such a sum of money, on the road desig- 
nated. They all expressed surprise, and asked if he 
did not go armed on that occasion. He acknowledged 
that he had his pistols, but had not time to use them. 
They then, with apparently greater surprise, concluded 
that there must have been several highwaymen asso- 
ciated, and he, with increased mortification, acknow- 
ledged that there was but one, but said he was taken 
by surprise, and off his guard. The three youngest 
sons then retired, and Charles, returning the money, 
acknowledged that he had taken it from him. "What," 
said the general, " and did you endanger your father's 
life ?" " No, sir," said Charles. " What, did you not 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. 85 

present a pistol to my breast V " No, sir," said Charles. 
" How can you say that ?" said the father. " I assure 
you, sir," said Charles, " it was only my mother's brass 
candlestick, that I took off from your own mantel-piece." 
After the revolution, General Polk 2:)urchased from 
the disbanded soldiers the land warrants issued by the 
State of North-Carolina, in payment for their military 
services. He then armed himself and his four gallant 
sons ; with their rifles in hand, they all went out into 
the wilderness of Tennessee, where the grants were 
made. The father, resuming his original profession of 
surveyor, selected the best lands that could be found, 
ran the lines, marked them, and secured the grants, 
notwithstanding the hostility of the neighboring In- 
dians. He thus died possessed of a valuable property, 
which his children inherited, but did not improve. 
Most of them liked frolicking better than work, and two 
of them came into Sumter District, in this State, mar- 
ried and died there, leaving no family. These were 
Charles and James ; Ezekiel was said to have been 
reckless as well as frolicsome. I heard of one instance, 
told by himself, somewhat in these words : " I was 
driving my wagon, in company with another young 
man, a friend. We had just finished our dinner, and had 
each taken a good, stiff drink, when a gentleman rode 
up in a sulkey, alone. We concluded to have some 
fun with him, and stopped him to have a little chat. 
We asked him to alight, and take a drink ; he did so, 
and we then told him that it was ' a way we had,' to 
make all strangers dance for us. We then began to 
crack our wagon whips at him, and compelled him to 
dance in the road for us, we cracking our whips all the 
time for music, to cheer him up. As he seemed to take 
it gently, we did not press him hard, and when we 
stopped the music, he stopped the dance. He then 
said that after such a jig, we must take another drink 
with him ; and while he was opening his sulkey-box, 
we dropped our wagon whips to join him. In an instant 
he drew out a pair of pistols, and presented them at 
us, with a look and manner that satisfied us he was in 



86 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

earnest, and said that we should now dance for liim, or 
' pay the piper.' Finding that we had made a mistake, 
to it we went ; he whistled a Virginia jig, and kept us 
at it. I never had such a sweat in my life, and was 
right glad when he drew up, and told us that it would 
not always do ' to play tricks upon travellers.' He 
then politely offered us a drink of brandy and water ; 
we shook hands, and pai'ted good friends. We had 
the lead, he followed suit, beat us with our own cards^ 
and won the odd trick. But it was all fair." 



TROOPS ENLISTED IN SOUTH-CAROLINA. 

The executive committee lost no time in arming for 
the defence of South-Carolina, both by sea and land. 
Three regiments were officered and enlisted, and 
among the captains of the second regiment, command- 
ed by Colonel Moultrie, was Bernard Elliott, a great 
favorite in this State. He had been educated in 
England ; his manners were engaging, his person ele- 
gant, and his character commanded all the respect 
and esteem in which he was universally held. On 
receivinsr his commission, he immediatelv proceeded 
into the upper country for the purpose ot enlisting his 
men. He took with him the usual provision of hard 
money, strong drink, drum, fife, and fiddle, with a 
well dressed sergeant, to recommend the service ; but 
was disappointed in making enlistments. Perceiving 
that a group frequently assembled around a raw- 
boned, athletic countryman, and finding that he pos- 
sessed great influence over the rest of the neighbors. 
Captain Elliott paid him particular attention, as their 
leader, but still not with the desired success. At 
last he took the countryman aside, and asked him to 
say candidly what were his objections to the service. 
The countryman looked at Captain Elliott's silk stock- 
ings, and said, with a smile, "that he never could 
think of serving under a man that he could lick." 
Being then asked if he would enlist, provided the 



THE AMEEICAN EEVOLUTION. 87 

captain should wliip liim, he confidently answered 
that he would, and promised that he would use his 
influence to obtain others for the same company. 
There was no time lost ; Captain Elliott had acquired, 
as a part of his English education, the science of box- 
ing. He immediately told the man to strip, and 
prepared himself for the rough encounter. At the first 
pass he fairly knocked down his opponent, who was 
astonished to find himself on the ground. He soon, 
however, picked himself up, and, like a good fellow, 
returned to the scratch, until he was ultimately con- 
vinced by a succession of forcible arguments, that he 
had been whipped by a man who wore silk stockings. 
The countryman acted honorably in this business. 
Captain Elliott had made a strong impression, both 
on his mind and body, and conciliated his friendship 
and respect by the sound thrashing that had been 
given him for nothing. He set the example, by 
enlisting in Captain Elliott's company, and by his 
influence it was soon filled with choice recruits. Cap- 
tain Elliott aj)pointed him orderly sergeant to his 
company. 



MAJOR JAMES LADSON.- 

Copy from General Thomas Pinckney's letter, dated 
Eldorado, Santee, to James H. Ladson. 

4th January, 1824. 

My Dear Sir: — In consequence of the desire you expressed when 
I last saw you, that I should communicate to you what I recollect 
concerning the earlier part of your father's life, when you were not 
born, or too young to remember him, I will proceed to relate such 
circumstances as a memory, never good, and now much impaired by 
the lapse of seventy-five years, may furnish. 

My first acquaintance with your father was in this country, between 
the years 1771 and 1773; soon after I had arrived at age, and he was 
approaching it; for he was my junior by one or two years. He had 
then finished his education in the best schools the State (then Prov- 
ince) aftbrded, and was living with his uncle, Mr. John Gibbes, who 
was also his guardian, who having been many years married without 
issue, it was presumed your father would be his principal heir. They 



88 TKADITIO]S^S AND KEMINISCENCPDS OF 

lived with the old Carolina hospitality, at the grove, vvhich then com- 
prehended all the land between King street Road and Ashley river, 
including the present race course, as well as Mr. William Lowndes' 
farm, and several others. 

I went to England, in the year 1773, for the purpose of being called 
to the bar, and was soon followed by your lather, who took lodgings 
in Buckingham street, in London, where I had placed myself on 
account of its convenient distance from the Temple, where I was 
keeping terms. Hut your father, who had a moderate patrimony of 
his own, and considerable expectations from his uncle, did not dedicate 
himself to any profession. While in England he attended to the 
objects worthy of attention in London and its vicinity, and visited the 
ditferent parts of the country; partaking of the amusements of the 
metropolis, and enjoying the pleasures of rui'al sports. He spent part 
of his time with his relative, Colonel Fenwick, who hired a seat in 
Essex, where he became intimate with his cousins Edward and Thomas 
Fenwick, which friendship continued until their deviation from the line 
of politics which he had adopted, dissolved their intimacy; but with 
the present Colonel Fenwick, of our artillery, I believe he was always 
on the best terms. He was also a welcome guest at Crowfield, the 
hospitable seat of the late Sir William Middleton, the eldest branch of 
the respectable family with which you are well acquainted. During 
the time he passed in England, he availed himself of the opportunity 
aftbrded by his situation, of obtaining the best instructors in the 
exercises, which were then thought almost indispensable, for complet- 
ing a liberal education. We were together scholars at Keda's fencing 
academy, and at the riding school of Angelo, at which he was much 
distinguished by his vigor and activity. At this period American 
politics occupied much of the public mind in London, and the young 
Americans attended a meeting of their countrymen convened by 
Doctor Franklin, Mr. Authur Lee, Mr. Ralph Izard, &c., for the 
purpose of framing and presenting petitions to the Legislature and to 
the king, deprecating the acts of Parliament, then passing, to coerce 
our country, and I think you will find your father's name subscribed 
to those petitions in the periodical publications of that date. But the 
petitions not having the desired effect, and foreseeing that an appeal 
must probabl}^ be made to arms, we endeavored to qualify ourselves 
for the event, and hired a sergeant of the royal guards to drill us at 
your father's lodgings. From him we obtained the knowledge in 
military service we could derive from a person of his rank. We 
returned home together, arriving in Charleston, in December, 1774. 
We here found affairs ripening to the crisis ; the form of the royal 
government continued, but the patriots commanded the effective force 
of the country. No regular troops were yet raised by them, but 
volunteer corps of militia were beginning to be organized. The little 
skill we had obtained in the manual exercise, and in marching, was 
now of service to us, and the late General Isaac linger, who had 
served in the regular army, in the campaign against the Cherokees, 
under Colonel Grant, wishing to organize a company, proposed that I 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 89 

should be his first, and your father his second lieutenants. The 
company called the Rangers was accordingly raised, and we proceeded 
to instruct them according to the information we had obtained in 
London, aided by such military manuals as .were then published. The 
company began to be tolerably disciplined, when the aftairs of Lexing- 
ton and Concord in Massachusef's decided our Provincial Congress to 
raise two regular regiments. The appointment of officers deprived the 
Rangers of those by whom they had been raised and instructed. Our 
captain, Isaac Huger, received the command of lieutenant colonel, my- 
self that of captain, and your father that of oldest ist lieutenant in the 
first regiment of infantry. Our intimacy obtained for us the privilege 
of serving in the same company, but as other regiments were raised, 
he was soon promoted to the command of a company, while he was 
yet my lieutenant in 17Y6, before our regiment had been placed on the 
continental establishment. Several of our officers were sent on the 
recruiting service, into North-(^arolina and Virginia, and it was in 
contemplation to send some as far as Mai-yland, but it being necessary 
to obtain permission of the governments of those States for that 
purpose, your father and myself formed the military diplomatic corps 
on the occasion, being sent in advance, first to Halifax, in North-Caro- 
lina, then its seat of government, where we obtained permission to 
recruit in that State. We thence proceeded to Williamsburgh, in 
Virginia, where Patrick Henry was the governor, and their Legislature 
were in session, and where, after some demur, we obtained similar 
license. But on proceeding to Baltimore, we found that Congress 
had taken refuge there after the capture of Philadelphia by the enemy. 
Some of the members there, on observing our regimentals, expected 
we had brought them a reinforcement of regular troops, instead of 
wishing to draw men from that part of the country. This was one of 
the most gloomy periods of the revolutionary war; the continental 
army being nearly disbanded, by the mistaken policy of short 
enlistments, and just preceded the masterly operations of General 
Washington at Trenton and at Princeton, which restored hope and 
energy to our government, and confidence in their own prowess to our 
army. Your father and I returned to our regiment without having 
much augmented its force by our recruits, but the excursion afibrded 
him an opportunity of seeing some of the most prominent characters 
at that time in America, and of forming some valuable acquaintances. 
In 1778, our regiment was ordered on the unfortunate expedition to 
Florida, commanded by General Howe, where our troops, without ever 
coming in contact with the enemy, sutfered more from privations of 
every kind, than they could have experienced from the most sanguina- 
ry engagements. The object was to take St. Augustine, but for want 
of an experienced and well organized commissariat, our march was 
retarded, waiting for supplies of provisions and every necessary, until 
the heat of summer had commenced ; and before we had taken posses- 
sion of Eort Tonyn, a small post on the frontier of Florida, which the 
British abandoned at our approach, more than half of our regular 
troops were in their graves, or in the hospitals. Your father suftered 



90 TRADITIONS AND KEMLNISCENCES OF 

much on this expedition. I -was then a major, and of course on horse- 
back ; but your father being obliged to march on foot with his 
company, sometimes hiboring through a sandy road, under a burning 
sun, sometimes with bread and no meat, sometimes with meat and no 
bread, frequently without other liquor than bad water, and destitute 
of salt, sugar, or other comfort, he contracted a fit of illness, which 
nearly reduced him to the grave. lie was reconveyed, by water, from 
St. Mary's to Charleston, and on his recovery, got married to your 
mother, to whom he had been some time engaged. Not long after he 
was ]>romoted to a majority, in one of the more newly raised regiments, 
which, if he had joined, he must have quitted all his old associates to 
serve with oflficers with whom he had little acquaintance. This cir- 
cumstance, and the approaching cares of a family, induced him to 
resign his commission, but although he quitted the regular army, he 
did not abandon the cause ; for when the prospects of active service 
opened, by the arrival of D'Estaing, with a French fleet and army, to 
co-o])erate in the attack on Savannah, he joined General Lincoln as 
aid-de-camp, and was with us during the siege, and in the desperate 
assault on the lines of that city. And, to the best of my recollections, 
be continued to serve in the family of General Lincoln, until the 
surrender of Charleston, in May, 1780, when his military career termin- 
ated. Of his amiable disposition and exemplary domestic character, 
to you I need say nothing ; but I may remark that, thi'ough the whole 
course of his life, he associated with the most respectable part of our 
community, by whom he was esteemed, respected, and beloved. 

I shall be pleased, my dear sir, if this imperfect sketch of my recollec- 
tions of your father, shall give you as much gratification as the 
remembrance of many pleasant hours I have passed in his society has 
aflforded to 

Your respectful and obedient servant, 

(Signed) THOMAS PINCKNEY. 

To James U. Ladson, Esq., Charleston. 



COLONEL WILLIAM THOMSON. 

Colonel William Thomson commanded tlie third 
regiment, called the Rangers ; he being from the 
upper part of Orangeburg District, soon filled his 
regiment with many of the best riflemen in the State, 
he being himself the most practiced marksman in his 
command. The tories in the upper country having 
been influenced by Sir William Campbell, the royal 
governor, and his agents, commenced hostilities there, 
and aflbrded the ucav troo})s a flue opportunity for 



THE AMEKICAN REVOLUTION. 91 

exercise and for facing an enemy. Tlie expedition 
was under command of General Eichard Richardson, 
of the militia, and was completely successful, but the 
cold and exposure was very severe to such soldiers. 
They had scarcely concluded this campaign, when 
news was received that Sir Henry Clinton was pre- 
paring, at New- York, a strong armament against the 
South. They were consequently ordered down to the 
sea coast, for its protection. Colonel Thomson was 
posted at the eastern end of Sullivan's Island, in a 
small battery of two guns, the brick foundation of 
which has lately been discovered, by the shifting of 
the sand. It was called the advanced guard, and was 
ordered to protect the island from the bayonets of 
Sir Henry Clinton, — his command of two thousand 
British regulars, being then encamped within sight, 
on the western extremity of Long Island. 

This gentleman was born in Pennsylvania, of Irish 
parents, about the year 1'72Y, and removed with his 
father's family to South-Carolina, while yet a child. 
They settled on the west side of Congaree river, in 
what was called Amelia township, now known as St. 
Mathew's Parish, in Orangeburg District. This was 
at the time a frontier settlement, and young Thomson 
grew up " amidst alarms and strife," which trained his 
mind to deeds of enterprise and daring, and nerved 
his body to endure the toils and sufferings incidental 
to border warfare. The rifle became his favorite 
companion in all his excursions, and his sure reliance 
in danger. He planted with his father, and aided 
him in guiding the plough, in driving the team, and 
in all the other occupations of a country life. Being 
sociable and friendly in his disposition, he became a 
favorite among his neighbors, secured their admira- 
tion by winning the prizes at every shooting match, 
and commanded thei'^ respect and esteem by his uni- 
formly correct deportment. 

About the year 1763, William Thomson married 
Miss Eugenia Bussell, born in that neighborhood, the 
half sister of Colonel William Heatly. Her father 



92 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

was a native of Massachusetts, and born of English 
parents who had settled in that then Province. 

In 1769 great commotions arose in the upper parts 
of the State, between what were called Regulators 
and Schofilites. At that time no courts were estab- 
lished out of Charleston, and lawless depredators, liv- 
ing near the Indian nations, plundered the industrious, 
honest farmers, and escaped over the borders with the 
stolen horses and cattle. The parties aggrieved united 
to protect each other, soon took upon themselves to 
punish the aggressors, and personal feelings no doubt 
hurried them on into some unjustifiable acts. They 
called themselves Regulators; the depredators ap- 
pealed to the royal governor for protection, and a 
silly fellow, a Colonel Schovel, was sent up for that 
purpose. He encouraged ' them to assemble in arms, 
and bloodshed was barely prevented by the interven- 
tion of a few more discreet persons. They took their 
name from that of their colonel, and having been 
screened by the royal authority, many of them and 
their descendants became royalists in the revolution, 
which commenced a few years after this event. 

Among the royalists of 1775, there were, no doubt, 
many conscientious, honest men. 

To soothe these irritations, and prevent future dep- 
redations, several additional courts were established in 
the upper country, one at Camden, one at Orange- 
burg, and one at Cambridge, in Ninety-Six, now Abbe- 
ville District. As soon as the establishments could be 
carried into effect, William Thomson was elected 
sherifi* of Orangeburg District, as a man of the great- 
est influence, energy, and decision. He entered on 
the duties of his office in June, 1772, and continued to 
be called upon in all difficulties and in all emergen- 
cies of a public nature that subsequently occurred. 

He was elected a meml^er of the Pro\dncial Legisla- 
lature, under the royal government, and was a member 
of the convention which commenced revolutionary 
measures, adopted a constitution, and organized the 
means for resisting Great Britain. When it wiis re- 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. 93 

solved to raise three regiments for tliis purpose in 
South-Carolina, William Thomson was elected colonel 
of the Rangers, or third regiment, and immediately 
proceeded to enlist his men, under orders issued on the 
lYth June, 1775. Before his number was complete, 
and while employed in drilling his men, the royalists 
in Ninety-Six armed in opposition to the revolutionary 
government. Colonel Thomson had previously been 
out with William Henry Drayton and the Rev. Mr. 
Tenant, accompanied by Colonel Joseph Kershaw, of 
Camden, endeavoring to conciliate and restrain the 
disaffected in the upper and western portions of the 
State. Now, that the royalists assembled in arms, and 
attacked Colonel Williamson, at Cambridge, forbear- 
ance ceased to be a pacific measure. Colonel Thomson 
marched with his command, under General Richard 
Richardson, captured all their officers, except Colonel 
Cunningham, and crushed their hostile ^proceedings. 
This was in the winter of 1775, and such was the 
severity of the weather that the expedition was desig- 
nated " the snow camp." 

Scarcely had Thomson's regiment returned from this 
campaign, when news arrived that the British had 
assembled, in New- York, a fleet and army, under Gene- 
ral Clinton, to attack Charleston and overrun the 
Southern States. After this British armament had 
appeared off Charleston bar, but had not yet either 
landed their army or entered the harbor. Colonel 
Thomson asked for leave of absence, that he might 
make some arrangements on his plantation, called Belle- 
ville, about one hundred miles from the city. A fur- 
lough was granted him for only two days. He imme- 
diately mounted his horse, rode home, effected his busi- 
ness, and returned to the city within forty-eight hours. 
This is a family tradition. 

The united attack of this British army and navy on 
Sullivan's Island, and their total defeat, on the 28th of 
June, 1776, are as well known as any part of the Ame- 
rican history. But it is not generally known what an 
important part, in this defence, was performed by Colo- 



94 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

nel Thomson's command. Tliey were posted at the 
eastern extremity of Sullivan's Island, in a redoubt, 
called " the advanced guard," constructed of palmetto 
logs, with merlins, on a brick foundation. At this 
point, the army under General Clinton, numbering 
two thousand regulars, was to make the grand attack, 
as soon as the fleet should become engaged with Fort 
Sullivan. They accordingly marched from their en- 
campment on Long Island, down to the edge of the 
inlet, where it was fordable, except at high water. 
They were flanked by an armed schooner and sloop, 
and by a flotilla of armed boats from the fleet, with 
orders to reach the landing on Sullivan's Island, and 
rake the platform of the redoubt, while the army 
crossed over the inlet and stormed the little fort, which 
was entirely 023en on the west. Colonel Thomson had 
but two cannon, and they were manned only by his 
rangers, whj had never fired a great gun before this 
occasion. But, with small ai'ms, they were the best 
marksmen in the State, and their commander. Colonel 
Thomson himself, was decidedly the best shot of the 
whole regiment. 

The flotilla advanced bravely to the concerted at- 
tack, cheered on by the army, paraded on the shore, 
within speaking distance of the boats. When within 
reach of his guns. Colonel Thomson opened on them so 
well directed a fire that the men could not be kept at 
their posts ; every ball raked the decks. The flotilla 
made repeated attempts to reach their destined point, 
and did come so near to it as to be within the range of 
grape shot. This being equally well directed, soon 
cleared the decks, and dispersed the flotilla. 

This attack by Clinton's regulars, on land, was well 
concerted, but not well executed. They intended that 
it should be made at the same time Avith that of Sir 
Peter Parker's fleet on Fort Sullivan. Clinton had 
two thousand British infantry, exclusive of the marines 
and boatmen supplied from the fleet, which probably 
amounted to six or seven hundred more. He had, 
therefore, about two thousand regulars more than the 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 95 

whole command of Colonel Thomson, of which the 
Raccoon and other militia companies constituted a con- 
siderable portion. The force was sufficient to defeat 
Colonel Thomson, and then to storm Fort Sullivan, as 
was intended. If Wellington had commanded instead 
of Clinton, he would probably have passed with more 
facility than he did over the river Douro, near Oporto. 
Clinton had the command of boats for transportation, 
of which Wellington had very few. 

Mr. Alexander Forrester, a near relation of the late 
Kobert Elliott Rowand, left Charleston at the com- 
mencement of the revolution, and joined the British 
troops in this expedition. He said, in my presence, 
that he was in the schooner, and that it was impossible 
for any set of men to sustain so destructive a fire as the 
Americans poured in upon them on this occasion ; 
that it was the destructive fire from Colonel Thomson's 
fort which prevented the flotilla from advancing, and 
not the shoals and sand bars, as was alleged ; that it 
was the repulse of the flotilla which prevented Gene- 
ral Clinton from fording the inlet, and not the depth 
of water.* 

Two other stations are represented on this j)lan — • 
the rear guard, of which the foundation may still be 
seen, as the foundation of the Episcopal Church, and 
the quarter guard, on or about the site of the new 
Moultrie House. These were sj^oken of by British 
writers, as efficient means of resisting their combined 
attack, but they had no opportunity of showing what 
they might have done ; they never fired a gun. They 

* One of the opposition papers in England, tlie St. James' Chronicle, 
announces, in an epigram, a miracle on Sullivan's Island : 

" By the Red Sea, the Hebrew host detained, 
Through aid divine the distant shore soon gained ; 
The waters fled, the deep a passage gave, 
But this God wrought, a chosen race to save. 

" Though Clinton's troops have shared a different fate, 
'Gainst them, poor men ! not chosen sure of heaven, 
The miracle reversed, is still as great — 
From two feet deep, the water rose to seven." 



96 TEADITIONS ATSTD EEMINISCENCES OF 

also say, that the inlet which ran across the low land, 
called curlew ground, was covered by heavy cannon, 
mounted and pointed in the fort ; but this, also, is an 
excuse. The annexed plan of the fort, copied from 
Drayton's Memoirs, will prove that not a single gun, of 
any description, was mounted on the eastern part of 
the fort. A great jDart of the eastern portion of the 
fort was unfinished, and exposed to the intended attack 
of Clinton's bayonets. 

The riflemen, under Colonel Thomson, were much 
amused with the grape shot, and the effects of shoot- 
ing a pocket full of bullets into a crowd of their ene- 
mies, at every discharge ; for they could not suppose 
that any one of their balls could ever miss its object. 

For his good conduct on this occasion. Colonel Thom- 
son received the thanks of Governor Rutledge and of 
Congress. — See vol. i., of Moultrie's Memoirs, page 183. 

Moultrie takes but little notice of Colonel Thomson's 
agency on this memorable occasion. The effects of his 
fire were not known until long after the revolution. 
The British oflicials and their ministry did not like to 
acknowledge it ; the reputation of their navy was made 
to bear the disgrace of this defeat ; the army was not 
suffered to come within gunshot of the Americans. 



AMERICAN VERSION OF SIR PETER PARKER'S DESPATCHES TO 
THE LORDS OF THE ADMIRALTY. 

My lords, with your leave, 

An account I will give, 

That deserves to be written in metre ; 

For the rebels and I 

Have been pretty nigh, 

Faith, rather too nigh for Sir Peter. 

With much labor and toil, 

Unto Sullivan's Isle, 

I came, fierce as Falstaft" or Pistol, 

But the Yankees, add i at them 1 

I could not get at them, 

Most terribly mauled my poor Bristol! 




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THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. 97 

Bold Clinton, by land, 

Did quietly stand. 

While I made a thundering clatter ; 

But the channel was deep, 

So they only could peep. 

And not venture over the water. 

Devil take thera, their shot 

Came so swift and so hot, 

And the cowardly dogs stood so stiff, sirs, 

That I put ship about. 

And was glad to get out. 

Or they would not have left me a skiff, sirs. 

But, my lords, never fear, 

Before the next year, 

Although a small island could check us, 

The continent whole. 

We will take, by my soul, 

If these cowardly Yankees will let us. 

It was a happy tiling for America that this flotilla 
was so soon repulsed ; had they made another attack, 
they might have effected a landing. Colonel Thomson 
had, by this time, expended all the ammmiition pro- 
vided for his two cannon, and would have been com- 
pelled to spike them, and rely on his infantry and small 
arms, to oppose the enemy in their march to Fort Sul- 
livan. For this purpose, he had about seven hundred 
and fifty excellent marksmen to oppose two thousand 
British infantry. 

When the battle of Sullivan's Island was fought, 
there were no post office establishments in America. 
The important despatches for government, were con- 
veyed by couriers employed for each especial purpose. 
Familiar as we now are with the very rapid convey- 
ance of the mails by steam, it may surprise our readers 
to learn that the fii'st news of this victory was conveyed 
to Congress, and of course to all the country between 
Charleston and Philadelphia, by a single gentleman, 
travelling on horseback, about business, and that this 
gentleman was alive in Charleston, as late as July, 
1842. IMi'. Daniel Latham was, at that time, a very 
athletic young man, and had provided a fine horse for 
7 



98 TRADITIONS AND REJIINISCENCES OF 

his journey to Philadelphia. The horse was ready on 
the other side of the ferry, and Mr. L. would have 
started on the 28th, but for the attack commenced on 
the fort. He set out early in the morning of the 29th, 
rode very diligently, and kept ahead of the despatches, 
spreading the news wherever he went. We first hear 
of him stopping for breakfast at " the Blessing," in St. 
Thomas' Parish, about seventeen miles from town, and 
conclude that he crossed at Scott's ferry, on Daniel's 
Island, as the least subject to interruption. Although 
a Quaker, he was very warmly attached to the Ameri- 
can cause, and well known in Philadelphia. Although 
some doubted his report, there was no doubt with all 
who knew his character, and it was soon confirmed 
officially. 

From this time, Colonel Thomson continued actively 
engaged, wherever duty or danger required his ser- 
vices. Under General Howe, he lingered out a sum- 
mer campaign in one of the most sickly parts of Geor- 
gia, where inaction and disease, more wasteful than 
war, reduced the numbers and spirits of his brave com- 
panions in arms, until the British forces, under Colonel 
Campbell, defeated Howe, and overran that State. 
Next he served under General Lincoln, in his various 
endeavors to protect the Carolinas, by confining the 
enemy within the limits of Georgia, and, finally, to 
expel them, by the attack on their entrenchments 
at Stono. In these harrassing duties, his exposures 
brought on a fever, when in the neighborhood of 
Purisburg, and he retired for a while under furlough. 

Colonel Thomson also served under Count D'Estaing, 
in his well known disastrous siege of Savannah, in 
which it became e^^dent, as previously demonstrated 
in the siege of Newport, Rhode Island, that a man 
high in rank at the Court of France, and high in the 
favor of his king, was not, intuitively, a skilful admiral 
or able general. It was probably lucky for the Count 
that he was wounded at Savannah. He had some- 
thing to show for his defeat — a set-ofi:'. In this unfor- 
tunate expedition, Colonel Thomson had embarked 



THE AMEEICAlSr REVOLUTION. 99 

witli all his family influence, witli the highest hopes of 
success. His son, William, his three sons-in-law, and 
two nephews, accompanied him to Savannah, under 
D'Estaing ; their mortification at the result was sore, 
indeed. 

In these battles, in the previous severe duties of the 
campaign, and in the subsequent exposure and suffer- 
ings of his regiment, little or no mention is made in 
history of the services rendered by Colonel Thomson. 
Justice has not been done him ; probably, because he 
was always attached, with his light troops, to the com- 
mand of some officer of high rank, to whom his ser- 
vices were inestimable, in scouting and skirmishing, 
but not reported in the line of battle. By his own 
men, he was designated by the sobriquet, " Old Dan- 
ger." Even General Moultrie, when speaking of the 
battle of Sullivan's Island, uses the expression, " I had 
seven hundred and fifty men under Colonel Thomson," 
although in a detached command, about three miles 
off from him. Drayton, in his account of it, does not 
even give, on his map of Sullivan's Island, the position 
defended by Colonel Thomson. 

When Charleston was beleaguered by General Clin- 
ton, Governor Kutledge was advised to withdraw from 
the city, that he might be better able to annoy the 
enemy, and cut oft' the aid and supplies that they 
might otherwise obtain from the country. For this 
purpose, the rangers were withdrawn from the defence 
of Charleston, and kept in active service in Orange- 
burg District."^" The governor's family had been pre- 
viously withdrawn, like most of those who could effect 
it, and were residing near where Stateburg now stands, 
at the house, I believe, of Colonel William Richardson, 
owned and occupied by his son, the late lamented 
Judge J. S. Richardson. Such was the confidence of 
Governor Rutledge in Colonel Thomson's character, 
that when informed of the surrender of Charleston, 

* His orderly books have been preserved by his family, and are very 
creditable to his ofScer-like conduct and discretion. 



100 TEADITIONS AND RElVnNLSCElSrCES OF 

lie committed the care of liis family to Colonel T., 
requesting tliat he would escort them with his own 
family to some place of safety. The governor remain- 
ed in the State, with the hope of keeping up a resist- 
ance to the victorious British army. The indisposition 
of Mrs. Rutledge prevented their prompt removal, 
and thwarted this arrangement. In two or three days 
after the appointed time. Colonel Thomson's house was 
surrounded by a body of tories and British troops, 
and he was made a prisoner, with his son, William 
Kussell Thomson, then about seventeen years of age. 

The father was sent down to Charleston, and con- 
fined many months in the " Provost," in the same damp 
vaults that are under the present Custom House. He 
was there confined at the time of Gates' defeat. But 
his son was left at home, with the family, on parole. 
This elegant establishment was called Belleville. The 
British made it one of their garrisons, and stockaded 
it for defence. Various officers were in command of 
it, at different times, and of very different dispositions ; 
some behaving with great rudeness and brutality, while 
others were polite, and even kind. It was the misfor- 
tune of young Thomson to displease one of the former 
description, who did not appear to resent it, until re- 
moved to the command of Fort Granby, opposite to 
Columbia. He then wrote to his successor, at Belle- 
ville, to hang young Thomson for a breach of parole, 
without trial or evidence. Fortunately, this officer was 
a just and humane man ; his name was Stewart. He 
did not like the duty imposed on him, and contrived 
to drop the letter where it would fall into the hands of 
the family. Young Thomson saw that it was neck or 
nothing with him, and watched for an opportunity of 
making his escape. While standing near one of the 
sentinels, for this purpose, a poor, half-starved pig, 
belonging to the garrison, had escaped from his pen 
and passed close to them. Thomson had a fellow feel- 
ing for the pig, and thought that both of them might 
escape by the same means. He, therefore, persuaded 
the sentinel to catch it, and started with him in the 



TfiE AlHERlCAiJ EEvoLtrriom lOl 

pursuit. The pig, not being overloaded with fat or 
food, ran out at the sally-port, and they, whooping 
and holloing after him, continued the chase, until they 
had driven the animal out of gunshot. In the pig 
chase Thomson lost his hat, but he saved his neck. He 
soon joined Sumter's division, where a horseman's cap 
was obtained, much more becoming than his old slouch. 
His excellent mother soon devised means for sending 
him a change or two of clothes, and he was free. 

Colonel Thomson was kept in close confinement 
until his health was much impaired. He was then 
permitted to return on parole to Belleville. It so 
happened that the officer in command was relieved 
in a day or two after Colonel Thomson's return. 
Whether from private instructions, caprice, or other 
motives unknown, this officer marched Colonel Thom- 
son back with him to Charleston. He was, however, 
soon permitted to return to Belleville, which con- 
tinued to be occupied as a British station. About 
this time it was attacked by the Americans, and to 
this day some of the bullet marks may be seen in the 
house. While he was exulting with hopes that it 
might be taken, and he released, he was obliged to 
provide for the safety of his family, by making them 
■all lie down on the floor. This attack was simultane- 
ous with that on Fort Motte, and was only intended 
as a feint to prevent a junction of the two British 
forces, the stations being within sight of each other. 
The double purpose was answered ; when Fort Motte 
was taken, Belleville was evacuated. 

On the surrender of Fort Motte, a number of tories 
were found among the British regulars. Most of 
these were of German families, who originally set- 
tled Amelia township, and built Orangeburg.* The 
Americans were about to retaliate on them as tories, the 
severities inflicted on themselves as whigs. At that 
critical moment Col. Thomson rode over to the Ameri- 

*The Germans in Soutli-Carolina generally refused to take part in 
the revolution, either for or against the government, saying that the king 
was of German descent, and that they did not understand the dispute. 



102 TEADlllONS AND REMmiSCENCES OF 

can camp, and knew most of these, Ms Dutcli neighbors. 
He represented to Colonels Lee and Marion, that 
these people had been compelled to enter the British 
fort, and made to labor as artificers ; that they had 
always been harmless, and tried to keep aloof from 
both parties. Their release was secured. The Dutch- 
men, who had given themselves up for lost, now hurried 
off without thanking Colonel Thomson, or pausing to 
say "Good by to you." They scrambled over the 
breastwork instead of going through the gate, and 
some rolled over into the ditch, in trying to be the 
first out. 

In the general exchange of prisoners, effected by 
the address of Major Hyrne, Colonel Thomson was 
set at liberty, and immediately repaired to General 
Greene for service. From his knowledge of the 
country, he was peculiarly useful in scouting and cut- 
ting off the couriers and supplies of the enemy. In 
one of these expeditions, a very young and inexperi- 
enced recruit was sent out with a detachment, on 
patrol. They fell in with a superior force of the 
enemy, and were hotly pursued. The young man was 
well mounted, and a good rider, but it was the first 
time that ever he had faced an enemy, and when the 
retreat commenced at full speed, he concluded that 
all the detachment would be ctit off. His own com- 
rades galloping close behind him, were mistaken for 
the enemy, and he called out for "quarters!" He 
spurred on, still crying out " quarter ! quarter ! quar- 
ter!" until he was actually within his own camp. 
Being then stopped, and asked why he continued to 
cry out " quarter ! quarter ! " when there was no 
enemy within a half a mile of him, he declared that 
he had believed the enemy to be close upon him, and 
expected to be cut down at every leap of his horse.* 

The whig ladies were sometimes permitted to enter 
Charleston, and Mrs. Thomson obtained from one of 

*This anecdote was communicated to me by the late Colonel Law- 
rence Manning of Clarendon. 



THE AlVIEEICAN EEVOLUTION. 103 

the Britisli officers a passport for herself and little 
daughter, Charlotte. On her way down, she had an 
interview with her husband, and passed on. She 
made the intended purchases, and while so engaged, 
left her child in a room, only saying that a gentleman 
or two might step into the room, and she must not be 
frightened, he would not hurt her, but that she must 
keep in her bosom anything that he might place 
there. Accordingly while alone in the room, a gen- 
tleman entered, and looked anxiously around, then 
bowed to her, put a folded paper into her bosom, 
and went hastily out, without saying a word. The 
mother returned, and they left the city immediately; 
the father again met them, conducted them into Gen- 
eral Greene's camp, and introduced them to the gene- 
ral. The little girl was asked by the general, if she 
had not something for him, but she, having been much 
amused with the novelty of every thing that she saw, 
had forgotten all that had passed in the room, and 
told him " no." He then asked more particularly for 
a paper, that had been put into her bosom, and she 
gave it to him. It has since transpired that General 
Greene had agreed with General Andrew Williamson 
for a particular description of the British forces in 
Charleston, on condition that he should be screened 
from confiscation and other injury. General Greene 
did obtain the information from Williamson, and it 
was probably in this way, through Colonel Thomson. 
The little daughter of that day, is now the venerable 
Mrs. Charlotte Haskill, the only survivor of Colonel 
Thomson's large family.* He had four sons and eight 
daughters. Of these sons, William and Paul lived to 
be married ; Paul had no children ; William left a fine 
family, among whose descendants the name is pre- 
served and cherished. The daughters, we believe, 
were all married, and left families. 

At the commencement of the revolution Colonel 
Thomson was an indigo planter, li^dng in the enjoy- 

*She is now dead also. 



104 TEADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCieS OF 

ment of affluence and domestic happiness. His only 
motive for resistance, was a sense of duty to protect 
the chartered rights of his country, and the rights of 
British subjects in America. In the course of the 
revolution, he lost almost everything that was mova- 
ble, from his plantation. His valuable stock of horses 
and cattle, with his negroes, were dispersed, and most 
of them lost. The camp fever and small pox had 
been introduced into his plantation, by the British 
troops, and about one hundred of his people died of 
these dreadful disorders. But none of his negroes 
ever left him to join the British, notwithstanding 
their promises of freedom, their temptations, and 
their threats. One negro, named " Abram," had been 
intrusted by his master with the care of a favorite 
blooded horse, and the enemy heard of it. All their 
endeavors to obtain the horse were of no avail with 
Abram, and at last, from threats they proceeded to 
execution. He was hung up, by the neck, three 
several times, until senseless, but still refused to reveal 
the place in which he had concealed the horse. The 
name of Abram is gratefully spoken of by Colonel 
Thomson's family to this day, and his other faithful 
services recounted. 

When Charleston was recovered from the British, 
Colonel Thomson returned to his plantation, and dili- 
gently endeavored to restore his shattered fortune. 
He continued the cultivation of indigo, very success- 
fully, as long as he lived. His house was ever hospi- 
tably open to all travellers ; his friends and neighbors 
were ever generously entertained at his plentiful 
board. To some he was too liberal and confiding ; he 
involved his estate by securityship to a large amount. 

He continued subject to the calls of his country, 
whenever his services were needed for public pur- 
poses, and again became the sherift* of Orangeburg 
District. He was fond of the sports of the field and 
of the turf, and for his enjoyment in these he kej^t a 
choice collection of hounds and horses. He enjoyed 
these pleasures the more, in proportion to the number 



THE A5IEEICAN EiJVOLUTION. 105 

of his associates, and was as mucli amused with their 
errors and mishaps, as with their success in the 
hunt. To him the}^ were very exciting scenes and 
incidents. 

Colonel Thomson's health having declined, he trav- 
elled to the Sweet Springs of Virginia, hoping for 
its restoration, but he died there on the 2 2d of 
November, 1796, aged sixtj-nine years. 



ROYALISTS IN SOUTH-CAROLINA. 

These were generally designated tories, and the oppo- 
sers of the British government called themselves whigs^ 
but by others were called rebels. They certainly re- 
belled against the violations of their chartered rights, 
and most of them gloried in their acts and appellations. 

The annexed list is copied from the gazettes of that 
day, published by order of the committee.* It is 
composed almost entirely of officers, under the British 
government, who in qualifying for their several offices, 
all took a solemn oath of allesfiance and obedience to 

o 

that government, and when called on to sign the 
association, refused, in conformity with their oath of 
office. Their conscientious scruples were respected, 
and they suffered to remain in the peaceable enjoy- 
ment of their property, with a right to sell it, and 
retire from the State with the proceeds, "Whenever 
they thought proper, until after the capture of Bur- 
goyne's army, in 1778. The maxim in such political 
commotions is, that they who are not with us, are 
against us. About this time it was discovered that 
some insidious foes were in correspondence with the 
enemy, and as it was difficult to designate the infor- 
mers, all were ordered off without distinction. It has 
since been discovered, that some who signed the 
association, did so for the purpose of injuring the 

*See South-Carolina Gazette and Country Journal, No. 498, June 
13th, 1YY5. Also the South-Carolina and American General Gazette, 
No. 908, February 9th, 1V76, 



106 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

American cause, by giving treacherously to the BritisK 
notice of all tlie American proceedings. They thus 
involved the honorable, conscientious loyalists in the 
consequences of their treason. They caused the hor- 
rors of a civil war, by which the country was des- 
olated ; and with it, the vindictive or retaliatory acts, 
the banishment^ sequestration, and the destruction of 
life and property, on both sides, as each in turn 
acquired the ascendancy and power to do wrong. 

Various appellations have been used to distinguish 
parties in England, at various times. At the time of 
the republic we hear of the Cavaliers and Round- 
heads; after the restoration, the court and country 
parties were opposed to each other, and subsequently 
the whigs and tories. The conventiclers of Scotland 
were the first whigs; and in England the sturdy 
advocates for old English rights, both ci^dl and 
religious, received the same appellation from their 
opponents. Instead of rejecting, they adopted the 
designation, as the exemplary conduct of the cove- 
nanters had rendered it honorable. In return, how- 
ever, they gave to their opponents, the royalists, an 
epithet of degradation and reproach; the lowest class 
of the people in Ireland were then called tories, and 
were sometimes called Popish banditti. It was prob- 
ably intended at the time, to embrace the advocates 
of King James, both as religionists and loyalists. In 
such commotions, all have equal rights to enjoy their 
opinions, both civil and religious. Such opinions, 
however, can never be changed or moderated by 
I'idicule, reproach, abuse, injury, or threats. 



JOHN STUART. 



Among the most active and dangerous of the royal- 
ists, was John Stuart, his majesty's Indian agent for 
the southern Provinces. He was a member of the 
governor's council at the commencement of the revo- 
lution, and he successfully kept up hostilities between 



*HE AMEBIC AN EEVOLUTIOK. 107 

the Cherokee and Creek Indians, that the colonists 
might be free from their inroads. As soon as the 
revolution commenced, Stuart reconciled these nations, 
and incited them to war against the United States. 
He became apprehensive of personal injury in South- 
Carolina, from a consciousness of those proceedings; 
and retired to Georgia. Here his intrigues were 
discovered by Mr. Habersham, and reported to the 
committee of South-Carolina. In an interview with 
Mr. H., he had spoken of uniting the Indians " against 
his majesty's enemies." As England was not at war 
with France, Spain, or any other nation, this expres- 
sion " his majesty's enemies," could only apply to the 
people of America, who had been made his enemies 
by unjust extortions and actual hostilities. After this 
interview, Stuart became still more uneasy, and went 
to St. Augustine, that he might be more at his ease in 
communicating with his majesty's allies, the Indians. 

Although the barbarities of Indian warfare are infa- 
mous, Stuart, the agent, does not, on this account, 
deserve the character " infamous," with which he has 
been branded by some American writers. His were 
official duties, and must be performed under the orders 
of his superiors,* the British ministry, or disgrace and 
resignation be the consequence. No one ever had 
more influence among the southern Indians than Stuart, 
and he was considered among the revolutionists an 
active, enterprising, dangerous opponent. All the in- 
roads of the tories and Indians, during the first years 
of the revolution, were ascribed to his agency; 

Two brothers, John and Francis Stuart, natives of 
Scotland, came out with General Oglethorpe to colonise 
Georgia. f We are not informed at what time, or 

* See Ramsay's Revolution in South-Carolina, vol. i., page 343. 

f They may have come out with the Highlanders, under Macintosh, 
who settled at New Inverness, on the Altamaha. They certainly were 
associated with that gallant corps, during the wars with the Spaniards. 
John Stuart was ensign during the Spanish invasion, of 1742, and was 
left in command of Fort William, on Cumberland Island. There he 
was attacked by the Spanish fleet of twenty -eight vessels, on the 18th 
July, 1Y42, and he repulsed them, after a very severe action. The 



108 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

tinder what circumstances they removed to Soutk-CJa- 
rolina ; we only know that they were both engaged in 
mercantile pursuits ; John keeping a store in Charles- 
ton, and Francis in Beaufort. After a time, John 
became the Indian agent appointed by government^ 
and thus possessed great advantages ; not only secur- 
ing to himself the certain disposal of a large amount of 
groceries, powder, lead, guns, blankets, <fec,, <fec., but a 
large profit, also, on the skins of various kinds, brought 
down for barter by the Indians. Here he married Miss 
Fenwick, a lady of one of the first families in the Pro- 
vince, and lived in handsome style in one of the best 
houses in Charleston — that at the west corner of Tradd 
and Orange streets, now owned by Wm. Carson, Esq. 

In this house his son John was born, the same who 
distinguished himself as a general in the British army, 
and with about five thousand men, who had never 
been in action, defeated a like number of Frenc]i vete- 
rans, at Maida, in Calabria, commanded by General 
Ranier. This brilliant victory, occurring after their 
discomfitures at Dunkirk and at Toulon, was the more 
ao:reeable to the British nation, as the first which had 
been gained over the French, by British troops, m the 
French revolution. For this achievement, the general 
Wa-s knighted, and became Sii' John Stuart. 

Francis Stuart continued his mercantile establish- 
ment in Beaufort, in a house still to be seen in Bay 
street, at the bend, still in the centre of the town, and 
now occupied by Mr. Cocki'oif. In this house was held 
the first celebration of the 4th of July in Beaufort, and 
continued in it many years in succession. There Fran- 
cis Stuart married Miss Reeve, a daughter of Dr. 
Reeve, of that place, whose other daughter married 
Mr. Robert Gibbes, one of the most wealthy and res- 
Cherokee and Creek Indians aided the Georgians in this war, and were 
touch pleased with the bravery, dress, and wild habits of the Highland- 
ers, They became attached particularly to John Stuart, after his bril- 
liant victory over the Spanish fleet, and this was the commencement of 
bis great influence over them. 



THE AMEEIOAN REVOLUTION, 109 

pectable men iu tlie Province. At tlie death of Fran- 
cis, he left a son, who became Dr. Stuart, of Beaufort. 

Next door to Francis Stuart was another store, kept 
by Mr. Thomas Middleton, whose widow married Gene- 
ral Stephen Bull, of that district, brother of William 
Bull, the favorite governor of South-Carolina. Some 
disagreement existed between the two store-keepers, 
but their descendants made out much better ; Dr. 
Stuart having married Miss Middleton, and left seve- 
ral children. 

When Francis Stuart died, his widow believed her- 
self to be rich, and sent to her brother-in-law, John 
Stuart, in Charleston, for some family supplies, but 
they were refused. John Stuart sent word back that 
his brother, Francis, had died much in debt to him, 
and that he would keep all the proceeds of the estate 
to pay himself. This reverse of fortune was a great 
additional affliction to the family of Francis Stuart. 
They considered themselves unkindly and unjustly 
treated by John Stuart, and no intercourse existed 
between the parties subsequently. 

After John Stuart's death in England, his son. Sir 
John, continued to keep his house in London, and two 
of his cousins, the Misses Fenwick, lived with him. As 
he had no family, he certainly intended that they 
should inherit his estate. But the youngest of them 
made a runaway match, which displeased Sir John, 
and he opened a correspondence with his cousin. Dr. 
James Stuart, offered to adopt his son, John A. Stuart, 
and obtain for him a commission in the guards. Mrs. 
Stuart, his mother, could not part with her son, and 
objected to the arrangement. Still the correspondence 
between Sir John and Dr. Stuart was continued, and 
Sir John, by will, left the bulk of his estate to Dr. 
Stuart. Unfortunately for the family of Dr. Stuart, 
he died eight days before the date of Sir John's will. 
The legacy consequently elapsed, and the whole estate 
was inherited by Sir John's relatives in England, who 
had displeased him. 



110 TKADITIONS AND KEMTNISCENCES OP 



RANCOR OF SOME ROYALISTS. 

In the Boston Gazette, of 1774, we find the folio W' 
ing article : 

" The following is an authentic copy of a letter, which was lately 
thrown into the camp, with the following direction : ' To the officers 
and soldiers of his majesty's troops in Boston.' 

It being more than probable that the king's standard will soon be 
erected, from rebellion breaking out in this Province, it is proper that 
you, soldiers, should be acquainted with the authors thereof, and of all 
the misfortunes brought upon the Province. The following is a list of 
them, viz : 

Samuel Adams, John Hancock, 

James Bowdoin, William Cooper, 

Dr. Thomas Young, Dr. Chauncey, 

Dr. Benjamin Church, Dr. Cooper, 

Capt. John Bradford, Thomas Gushing, 

Josiah Quincey, Joseph Greenleaf, 

Maj, Nathaniel Barber, William Denning. 

William Mollineux, 

The friends of your king and country, and of America, hope and 
expect from you, soldiers, the instant rebellion happens, you will put the 
above persons immediately to the sword, destroy their houses, and 
plunder their eftects. It is just that they should be the first victims to 
the mischief they have brought upon us. 

(Signed) A Friend to Great Britain and America. 

P. S. Don't forget those trumpeters of sedition, the printers, Edes 
and Gill and Thomas." 

What stronger evidence of patriotism can l)e ad- 
duced in favor of those gentlemen, than this denun- 
ciation. 



BLOODY POINT. 

The legend from which this name was derived, for 
the southern extremity of South-Carolina, occurred pre- 
vious to the revolution, hut may still be interesting. 
The islands of Port Koyal and St. Helena were pretty 
thickly inhabited by white settlers, while the neigh- 
boring islands, Hilton Head, Dawfuskie and Pinckney, 
were held in possession by a few scattered Indians, 
who formed a kind of neutral ground between the 



THE AMEBIC AK EEVOLTJTIOK. Ill 

white and red men. The Georgia Indians were in the 
habit of making frequent inroads on the Carolina set- 
tlements, killing the inhabitants, and carrying off 
in boats whatever plunder they collected, to their 
homes further south. Large war parties were some- 
times formed, which would proceed to Hilton Head, 
and skulk in the thickets until a fair chance offered, 
when they would cross over Broad river, and ravage 
the neighborhood ; hence the name of Skulk Creek, 
not Skull, as it is now generally called. After these 
invasions, the Indians would return to Skulk Creek 
with their plunder, and elude pursuit amongst its 
numerous thickets and windings. 

After one of these expeditions, having committed a 
number of murders, and loaded their canoes, they 
never halted until they reached the end of Dawfuskie, 
where they supposed themselves safe, a very strong 
and determined party of whites went in pursuit of 
them. On reaching Hilton Head, they learned from 
some friendly Indians that their enemies had pro- 
ceeded further south. Having induced these friendly 
Indians to join them as guides, they continued the 
pursuit. When they readied Dawfuskie, they dis- 
covered the smoke of the Indian camp, where they 
had halted on the end of that island. 

The whites landed on the north-west portion of it, 
and marched towards their enemies. The Indians had 
put all their boats a short distance up, what is now 
known as New river, to avoid the surf which breaks 
upon that point. The Indians were at the extremity 
of this point, enjoying the good things which they had 
stolen. The whites approached cautiously, until pass- 
ing between the Indians and their canoes, effectually cut 
off their retreat. A shower of bullets was the first 
intimation received of the presence of an enemy. The 
surprise was complete — the massacre dreadful — the 
white sand was crimsoned with blood — some escaped 
by swimming, but nearly the whole of the party was 
destroyed. It was, literally, a bloody point to them. 

The Indians who escaped on this occasion, collected, 



il2 TRADITIONS AKD EEMINISCESTCES OF 

after a lapse of some time, and returned to Hilton 
Head. Finding only two of the tribe, who had guided 
the whites in their pursuit, they avenged the downfall 
of their own tribe, by destroying both of them. They 
then returned to Georgia, and were lost sight of for 
fiver after, — A Tradition from St. Lukis Pa/rish 



1:^ AMERICAN REVOLUTION. llS 



CHAPTER IV; 



Naval proceedings in the South — Commodore Gillon — Tory Insurrec- 
tion — Cherokee War — Salvador — General Andrew WiHiamson — 
Civil Government in South-Carolina. 

On the IStli October, 1775, the citizens of Charles- 
ton, being much annoyed by t^^o British sloops of war, 
the Cherokee and the Taniar, lying in the harbor, and 
firing on their vessels sailing in and out of pOrt, the 
council of safety purchased the schooner Defence, 
arnied her with two long nine pounders, and appoint- 
ed Captain Abr'm Whipple to command her. About 
the same time, also, they purchased and equipped 
three gallies or gun-boats for harbor defence, and 
for expeditions through the inlets and inland water 
courses. On the 11th November, council having 
ordered Hog Island channel to be obstructed, lest the 
British should pass through it, and thus attack the 
city, William Henry Drayton was appointed to exe- 
cute the order, supported by the Defence and gallies-. 
While in the performance of this duty, the party was 
fired on by the sloops of war, and Drayton ordered 
the fire to be returned by the Defence. Captain 
Whipple, accordingly, fired the first hostile gun at the 
British in South-Carolina, and this was the commence- 
ment of hostilities in the South. 

Whipple was the oldest captain in the marine of 
South-Carolina, and was, therefore, called the commo- 
dore. When the British cruisers were blockading the 
harbor of Charleston, Whipple thought that as St. 
Michael's church steeple was one of their principal 
landmarks, he could render it less distinct, and con- 
fuse the enemy, by painting it black. He accordingly 
ordered the eastern side of it to be painted black ; but, 
to his disappointment, the black being contrasted 



114 TEAmTIONS AND EE3IINISCJENCE3 Of* 

with the light, clear sky, became a more distinct 
object, and a more perfect landmark than before. He 
was, therefore, called "cunning Commodore Whipple."" 

The gallies proved to be very useful in guarding 
the coast and inland trade, at that time constantly 
going on. One of them was then commanded by 
Jacob Milligan, a very brave, active man, who kept 
a watchful eye over the movements of the enemy. 
During the interval between the arrival of Sir Peter 
Parker's fleet, and their attack on iB'ort Moultrie, an 
active partizan warfare was kept up, by the flotilla 
commanded by Whipple, Tufts, Milligan and others. 
Some firing from them took place almost every day ; 
while passing the inlets, they found opportunities of 
attacking a transport or storeship of that fleet, either 
in a calm, or at anchor, and several were captured.* 
On the morning after the battle of Fort Moultrie, the 
gallies, or rather their boats, under the command of 
Milligan, aided by volunteers, among whom were Cap- 
tain William Hall, and Captain George Warren Cross, 
boarded the Acteon frigate, while she lay grounded 
on the shoal, where Fort Sumter now stands. The 
crew of the frigate seeing the movement, set fire to 
her, and escaped in their boats. Our flotilla took the 
flag and bell, and were loaded with sails and other 
movables. Milligan then turned the guns of the 
frigate against the other British vessels^ fired on them, 
and left the guns loaded and pointed, so as to be dis- 
charged against them, when the fire approaching 
should ignite the powder. 

During Provost's inroad, this flotilla was also very 
efiicient. They made a very gallant attack on an 
armed schooner, protected by a British fort, in St, 
Andrew's Parish. They captured the schooner, after 
a severe action, and brought her to Charleston. Cap- 

*During a cannonade on some such occasion, wliich occurred on the 
15th June, 111G,1 was born, as I was told; my readers will, therefore/ 
■consider this a tradition, not a reminiscence. 



l^fiE AMERtCAN R^VOLUTIOlf. 115 

tains Frisbie,* Pyne, and Boutard, were publicly 
thanked for this act by Governor Kutledge. Captain 
Simon Tufts and Lieutenant Pickering have, likewise, 
been commended for their services in this inland 
warfare. 

Milligan had by this time left the service, and 
taken command of a privateer, with which he cruised. 
Very successfully, in the West Indies. He captured 
Inany British vessels, and took them into Spanish 
ports, but from the v/ant of responsibility in Spanish 
agents at that time, or from some other cause, he did 
not appear to have profited by his adventures. Pri- 
vateering injures the commerce of an enemy, but 
always demoralizes the citizen ; it very seldom benefits 
either the State or the subject, but certainly embarras- 
ses the commerce of a belligerent. 

Milligan was captured in the schooner Margery, his 
privateer, on the 21st May, 1778, by the ship Levant 
of 28 guns, when ofi^ the coast of Georgia. He lost 
everything that he was worth, but thought that he 
got off very well, in not being confined in a British 
prison ship. Captain Martin, of the Levant, treated 
him very civilly, and put him on shore at Bloody 
Point on parole. As soon as Milligan could get ex- 
changed, he again went privateering, but returned to 
Charleston a little before the siege, and was again put 
in command of one of the State armed vessels, but we 
do not know of any other services performed. While 
in command of this vessel, a suitable quantity of pow- 
der was delivered to him for her stores and use when 
occasion should occur. Milligan stored this powder in 
an arch, under the west portico of the Exchange, and 
converted it into a magazine. It was stipulated in 
the surrender of Charleston, that all the arms and 
ammunition in the garrison should be delivered up to 
the British authorities ; but this did not sit well on 
Milligan's stomach, and instead of doing so, he took 

*Captain Abel Frisbie had been, anterior to tbis time, Captain Wia>. 
Sail's first lieutenant aboard the State brig Notre Dames 



116 TEADITIOKS AND EEJVnNISCENCES Of 

out the doors and frames of his magazine, and bricked 
up the open space, so that the change could not be 
discovered. When the Americans retook the city^ 
Milligan went to look for his powder ; it appeared to 
be just as he left it, but had become damp from the 
dampness of the close vault, and was totally ruined. 
Milligan, however, consoled himself by saying, that 
the devil might have it rather than the British. 
Milligan was made the harbor master, after the revo- 
lution, and continued in office, I believe, to the end of 
his life.* 

After the commencement of hostilities, the council 
of safety purchased the merchant ship Prosper, then 
in port, and armed her with twenty guns. Captain 
Clement Lampriere was appointed to the command of 
her, but declined it, on finding that he woidd be sub- 
ject to the orders of Whipple, who had the oldest 
commission. William Henry Drayton then took com- 
mand, and was ordered to equip her as soon as 
possible. Accordingly, all the seamen enlisted in the 
land service, were joyfully transferred to the ship 
Prosper, for the purpose of rigging and fitting her for 
the occasion. Forty of the infantry were also put on 
board to act as marines. This company s€>on armed 
the Prosper with eight twelve pounders, eight six 
pounders, and four four pounders, with proper sup- 
plies of powder, ball, musketry, tfec. 

It was expected daily that the British vessels would 
bombard the city, and much reliance was placed 
on these two vessels, in opposing them successfully. 
Soon after, also, two schooners were purchased and 
armed ; the Comet with sixteen guns, and the other' 
with ten guns, intended for the protection of George- 
town. 

During the year IT '76, these vessels were kept well 
provided with everything for service, in every part of 

*The acts of the Provincial revolutionary Houses of Assembly, with 
the records of the State, were secreted and preserved in the same vault, 
while in some other States they were cither destroyed by the enemy^ 
or carried off, in wagons, to places of safety. 



THE AMEEICAN EEVOLUTION. lit 

our sea coast, but had little to do, until Sir Peter 
Parker's fleet appeared. Tlie number of men in tbe 
Defence was increased, however, and in company with, 
the Comet, she made several successful cruises on our 
coast, protecting the trade from British depredations, 
and bringing in several prizes. 

On the 30th March, 17T6, Captain Turpin, in the 
Comet, retook the sloop Hetty, which had been cap- 
tured by Captain Telemache. She had been armed, 
and was serving as a tender to the Falcon man-of-war. 
Both the Comet and her prize arrived safe in port. 

In March, 1T77, the continental frigate Randolph, 
Captain Nicholas Biddle, put into Charleston to refit. 
She soon sailed again on a cruise, and in eight days 
returned, having captured four rich West Indiamen, 
and brought them all safe into port. This caused 
much excitement in Charleston, and induced the gov- 
ernor and council to equip a squadron for sea, in hopes 
of proportionate success. The Prosper having been 
changed, in her rigging, to a brig, a battery of 
eighteen guns mounted in the place of her twenty, 
she was called the Notre Dame, and Captain William 
Hall was appointed to command her. To her were 
joined the three private armed brigs— the General 
Moultrie, Sullivan, of eighteen guns; the Polly, An- 
thony,* of sixteen guns; and the Fair American, 
Morgan, of fourteen guns — which the State had taken 
into th^ public service for this cruise, and had increas- 
ed their complement of men, by adding twenty-five of 

*Captain Anthony was a very brave, enterprising man; he conti- 
nued actively engaged in privateering, during the whole war, and was 
remarkably successful, not only in saving himself from frequent danger, 
but in annoying the enemy, and capturing their vessels. Among other 
instances of his success. Wells' South-Carolina Gazette, of the 21&t 
January, 1779, reports his having brought in three prizes, one of 
which was a vessel of eighteen guns, having two guns more than his 
own. After the British took Charleston, Captain Anthony continued 
to harrass their trade on the southern coast. He even landed on 
diflerent parts of the coast, and his name was a terror in Bull's Bay 
and on San tee, among the tories. He had commanded the WashiDgton 
privateer, and previous to this, the Polly. 



118 TRADITIONS AND EEmNISCENCES OF 

their regulars to eacli of the four vessels, that they 
might serve as marines. To the crew of the Ran- 
dolph was also added a company of fifty regulars, 
from their first regiment, under the command of 
Captain loor, for the same purpose. The Randolph 
was a beautiful little frigate, built in Philadelphia, 
and mounted thirty-six brass cannon. She was of the 
most perfect model, and had the most complete equip- 
ment of any vessel that had ever sailed from an 
American port. Her ofiicers and men were devotedly 
attached to her, having been uncommonly successful 
in all their cruises. Her joyous crew, happy in the en- 
joyment of their abundant prize money, attributed all 
their success to the fine qualities of their favorite ship. 
The prizes brought into Charleston, by the Randolph, 
were said to have been sold for half a million of 
dollars, and this is probably correct, when we recoh 
lect that it was paid for in de2:)reciating paper money. 
The greater part of this money was expended in 
Charleston ; the improvident crew of the Randolph 
squandered their portion of it, in all kinds of foolery, 
of which some of the particulars are still remembered, 
One of the sailors bought a horse just to take a land 
cruise ; the horse ran away with him, as might well be 
expected, when Jack carried too much sail. Being 
owner as well as commander of the new craft. Jack 
concluded to go better found with ground tackle in 
his next cruise. He accordingly took on board a 
kedge anchor, secured the cable round the horse's 
neck as to the bow of his ship, and made sail as 
before, The horse again ran away, and Jack soon 
brought him to, all standing, by casting anchor. The 
horse broke his neck in the fall, when Jack, coolly, 
took off the saddle, bridle, <fec., and returned into 
port, saying that he had been cast away on a lee 
shore, and had lost his ship, but saved all the rigging, 
Some of them paraded the streets, splendidly dressed, 
with females ridiculously ornamented with jewelry; 
others made dresses with the large sheets of paper 
money, and hired carriages, at any price, to take an 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. 119 

airing like gentlemen. When ordered on board for 
another cruise of the frigate, some of those who had 
not made way with all their cash, made a bonfire of 
the paper money, by way of spending it. 

All this served to depress the currency of the coun- 
try, and enhance the price of everything to the 
virtuous poor, 

. When the Randolph and her squadron were ready 
for sea, under Captain Biddle as commodore, the 
British cruisers disappeared from the coast, for there 
were always spies and informers, on shore, to aiford 
them seasonable information. The squadron sailed 
southwardly, and cruised in the West Indies with 
little success about ten weeks. They then fell in with 
the Yarmouth, a sixty gun ship, so disguised that they 
took her for a West Indiamau. The Polly and the 
Fair American first spoke the British man-of-war, 
and told her that they were from New- York, and 
were of course undisturbed. But Captain Biddle not 
knowing this, ordered the Notre Dame and the Moul- 
trie to join in engaging her. The Randolph was very 
gallantly, but imprudently, run along side of the Yar- 
mouth, and commenced the action, while the Notre 
Dame was running under her stern to rake her. A 
desperate engagement was kept up between them 
about seventeen minutes, and just as the Notre Dame 
reached her station, and had fired into the stern of 
the Yarmouth, the Randolph blew up with a dreadful 
explosion, covering the decks of the Notre Dame with 
the fragments of fire and wreck ; she saved herself 
with great difficulty, but not having backed her top- 
sails she was saved. 

Wells' South-Carolina Gazette, of the 16th April, 
1778, publishes a letter written from St. Eustatius ; says 
that the action and catastrophe took place on the 7th 
of March, and that the Yarmouth, several days after 
it, "saved four sailors of the Randolph, found on a 
fragment of the wreck, and landed them in that port." 
Also, that " the Yarmouth lost one lieutenant and six 
men, killed by the fire of a brig under her stern," of 



120 TRADITIONS AND EEMINISOENCES OF 

course by the broadside of the Notre Dame, Captain 
Hall. 

The poet, Captain Freneau, says that the Yarmouth 
was first silenced, but this was only a poetical version 
of the tragical event. None on board of the Yar-^ 
mouth would tell such a tale, to their own discredit, 
even if true, and none in the Kandolph ever re- 
turned to America to boast of it. It was currently 
reported and believed here, many years after the revo-^ 
lution, that every soul on board the Randolph had 
perished. Cooper, in his American Navy, says that 
three of her men were saved on a piece of her wreck, 
by the Yarmouth, but these may never have reached 
the United States. I remember the widowed mother 
of one of the young officers, in tears for her son, 
expressing herself to this effect, many years after the 
revolution. If any had returned, some of their rela- 
tives and friends in Charleston would have known it. 
Joseph Fordham, the carpenter of the Randolph, who 
was left in Charleston because of an injury to his leg, 
lived here many years, and some of his children are 
still living here; he always believed himself to be the 
only survivor of the Randolph's gallant crew. 

My father did all the blacksmith work required in 
the repairs of the Randolph. A large portion of such 
work was directed by the gunner, for different parts 
of her armament; the gunner, therefore, was very 
familiar, in his different calls at the shop for iron 
work. He spoke frequently of his great attachment 
for the Randolph, swore that she never should be 
taken by the enemy, and that he would, with his own 
hands, blow her up first. As the gunner had the 
immediate charge of the magazine during the action, 
and as it was impossible for the Randolph to escape 
from under the guns of the Yarmouth, my father was 
always satisfied, that the gunner of the frigate had 
blown her up, according to his oath. 

After the loss of the Randolph, the squadron con- 
tinued their cruise with more success. They fell in 
with a Jamaica fleet oft* the Isle of Pines, and, although 



THE AMERICAK REVOLUTIOlSr. 121 

under convoy, succeeded in capturing three of them, 
In that cruise they also captured eight others of the 
enemy's merchantmen, one of which was a ship, of 
twenty guns, captured by Captain Hall, of the Notre 
Dame, by boarding ; his own ship having but eighteen 
guns* 

Captain William Hall was a native of Charleston, 
and at the age of nineteen, in the commencement of' 
our revolution, was in England, in the merchant ser- 
vice. He was there detained as an American prisoner, 
but effected his escape, and arrived in Boston, in 1776, 
soon after it was evacuated by the British army. He 
here entered immediately on board of an American 
privateer, called " the True Blue," commissioned as 
second lieutenant. During several cruises, this pri-. 
vateer was very successful, and considerably annoyed 
the British commerce ; but Hall became anxious to visit 
his relatives and friends at home. He accordingly 
arrived in his native city, and was cordially welcomed, 
On the second day after his arrival, he was commisr 
sioned lieutenant, on board the State brig, " Notre 
Dame," carrying eighteen guns. She was quickly des^ 
patched for sea, and, in a few days after leaving port, 
fell in with a British brig, of sixteen guns, which, after 
an action of twenty-five minutes, struck to the Notre 
Dame. Lieutenant Hall was put on board as prize 
master of her, and, after escaping from the frigate 
Daphne, in a long chase, he arrived safe in George- 
town, South-Carolina. This brig proved to be a valua^ 
ble prize, being loaded with dry goods, and afforded 
good prize money to the captors. Captain Seymour, 
who then commanded the Notre Dame, resigned soon 
after he returned from that cruise, and the command 
of her was given to Lieutenant Hall, at that time but 
twenty-two years of age. 

Early in 1778, Captain Hall was ordered, with the 
Notre Dame, to join the squadron which sailed from 
Charleston, under the command of Captain Biddle, of 

*See Wells' Soutli- Carolina Gazette, of 28th May, Ill8. 



123 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OP 

the frigate KandolpL, as above stated ; the results 
are already known. He continued to cruise on the 
southern coast, by order of the governor and council, 
affording protection to their commerce, which was 
very considerable. The home squadron was now in- 
creased, to aid in this duty, by the purchase and 
outfit of the Eagle, Turner, and by the building a 
fine new brig, called the Hornet, at Captain Cochran's 
ship-yard, on Charleston Neck, where the frigate John 
Adams was built, under the administration of John 
Adams. The Hornet was commanded by Capt. Pyne, 
late of the Comet, and armed with fourteen guns. They 
continued to cruise singly, and in company, with much 
success, effectually protecting the coast from the annoy- 
ance of privateers and other depredators, and taking 
a number of prizes. The private armed vessels — the 
General Moultrie, Sullivan, the Sally, Stone, and the 
Family Trader, Allen — were occasionally sent out by 
the merchants on the same service. In March, 17 79, 
in a cruise of ten days, they took the Sally, of New 
Providence, bound to Georgia, with dry goods and 
West India produce ; also, two vessels from St. Kitts, 
with cargoes of the same kind, one of which, the Prince 
of Wales, Askridge, of twelve guns, fought the Hornet 
until three of her guns were dismounted, and four of 
her men woundeJ ; only one being wounded on board 
of the Hornet. The Notre Dame also recaptured the 
Sally, of Boston, which had been taken by the Ven- 
geance, privateer, of New- York. 

In the next month, they were not so successful. 
The Notre Dame and the Eagle returned in safety, 
but without prizes, and the Hornet was captured by 
the Daphne, of twenty guns, and carried into Savan- 
nah. The officers and men of the Hornet were well 
treated, and landed, on parole, on the Carolina side of 
the river, where they effected an exchange of fifty- 
three Americans for an equal number of English pri- 
soners. The Carolina papers made light of this cap- 
ture, saying that tlie Hornet was a valuable prize to 
the British seamen, as she had a supply of biscuits on 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 123 

hoard^ and tlie crew of the Daphne had not seen such 
a thing for three months, but were subsisting on boiled 
rice. 

When General Provost lay with the British army 
near Charleston, the governor was informed of several 
armed vessels, which brought the British supplies from 
Savannah. The Notre Dame, Hall, the brig Beaufort, 
Tryon, and the Bellona, Anthony, put to sea, under 
directions of the navy board, fell in with them near 
Stono Inlet, captured two of them, and blew up one ; 
the rest effected their escape. We annex a copy of 
one of the sailing orders received by Captain Hall in 
this service. 

COPY OF CAPTAIN WILLIAM HALL'S SAILING ORDERS. 

Charleston, %^th April, 1779. 
Captain William JIall : 

SiH : — Tlje commissioners of the navy board direct 
tliat you proceed to sea this evening, with the Notre Dame, in com-^ 
pany with the Eagle, pilot boat ; run to the northward, as far as Bull's, 
in quest for an English privateer, which has been hovering about the 
coast several days pt^st, and captured several vessels in sight of the 
shore. You are to furnish Captain Turner, of the Eagle, with proper 
signals before you leave Charleston bar, and by no means separate 
from the Eagle. You are to continue to cruise close along from Bull's' 
to Stono, for three days, (unless sooner chased by a superior force.) 
After which you are to anchor in Five Fathom Hole, and send the 
Eagle to Charleston with any intelligence you may have to communi-> 
cate. You are to keep a strict regard to your orders of 27th March, 
respecting the treatment of prisoners, and every other matter contained 
therein. 

By order of the Board. 

EDWARD BLAKE, \st Commissioner. 
Captain William Hall, of the Notre Dame. 

The governor and council finding that many things 
were required for the clothing and equipment of their 
troops, sent out vessels, at different times and to diffe- 
rent places, loaded with the produce of the country, 
for the purpose of obtaining such supplies, and encour- 
aging others to engage in this trade, however hazardous. 
The cruisers of Great Britain swarmed on every coast ; 
many American merchantmen were taken, but many 
also escaped, In the winter of IV 76, three armed ves- 



124 TRADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OP 

sels were sent to France, from Charleston — Captain 
Robert Cocliran, in the Notre Dame, Captain Hatter, 
in the Snow Hope, and Captain McKenzie, in the Betsy, 
Of these. Captain Cochran was the only one who suC' 
ceeded in the object of his voyage, and returned safe 
with the much wanted supplies. 

In this voyage, Captain Cochran was seven weeks in 
his outward passage, but on his arrival in France every 
facility was afforded to him by the American agents, 
and he sailed promptly on his return. In his return 
voyage, he fell in with an armed British victualling 

ship , Captain Coombes, from Cork, bound to 

New- York, with a full cargo of Irish beef, pork, and 
other provisions for the British army. She surrendered, 
after exchanging a few shots, and both arrived in 
Charleston on the 19th February, 1777. 

Archibald Broun, a merchant of great respectability, 
in Charleston, and captain of a light infantry company, 
was sent in the Hope as- supercargo, having been 
selected on account of his mercantile knowledge, united 
with his character for determined bravery. He was 
instructed to defend his vessel to the utmost, in case 
of attack, and much was left to his own discretion, in 
providing the means of defence. She sailed fully 
manned and equipped as a letter of marque, arrived 
safe in Nantez, about the 11th February, 1777, without 
having fallen in with an enemy's cruiser. Here Mr. 
Broun sold his cargo of rice, indigo, and tobacco, to 
great advantage, and obtained a large supply of sol- 
dier's clothing, two forty-two pounders, and other mili- 
tary stores that were much needed. He also engaged 
twenty young Frenchmen, who wished to emigrate to 
America, agreeing to give them their passage and pro- 
visions free of expense, on condition that they should 
3,id him in defending the vessel in case of an attack. 
All went on very well, until they reached soundings on 
our coast, Avhen they were attacked by a British armed 
ship, which Captain Broun determined to resist, and 
prepared for the engagement. But not so his passen- 
gers ; they were so near to America, that they expected 



THE AMEEICAN EEYOLtTION. 125 

to reach it witli either of the belligerents, if in a whole 
skin. They, therefore, declined fighting, under the 
plea that, as subjects of the French king, they would 
lose the protection of their own government, if taken 
fighting on board of an American vessel ; the king of 
France being not yet allied to America, they would 
tiot forfeit their neutral rights, they would not join in 
defending the vessel ; the Hope was, therefore, cap- 
tured, and taken into St. Augustine, about the 12th of 
November. Captain Hatter, on their arrival, was 
closely confined in the castle, and nothing known of 
him in Charleston until the following March, fourteen 
months after they had left that port. Captain Broun 
returned to Charleston in the next August, by the way 
of the northern States. 

The southern coast had been much annoyed in the 
winter of 1777, and spring of 1778, by some small 
British cruisers that out-sailed the Americans. Colo- 
nel Elbert, of Georgia, having heard that some of these 
marauders had gone into the port of Frederica to levy 
" black mail," and replenish their provisions for another 
cruise, resolved on an expedition against them. He 
took command of the three gallies or gun-boats, belong- 
ing to the State of Georgia, manned them with volun- 
teers from his own regiment of Georgia continentals, 
and proceeded by the inland route to attack them. 
The armed brigantine, Hinchinbrook, with her con- 
sort, the sloop Rebecca, lay at anchor there with their 

prize, the brig -=- . Colonel Elbert immediately 

attacked them, and, after much resistance, succeeded 
in capturing the three by boarding. They all arrived 
safe in Sunbury.'^ 

Captain William Hall continued his active protec- 
tion to the commerce of Charleston and the southern 
coast, and, in the autumn of 1779, aided in the trans- 
portation of trooj)s, and in the landing of them for the 
disastrous siege of Savannah, under Coimt D'Estaing,' 

*See his letter in the South-Carohna Gaz^stte, of 23d April, IVVS, 
dated Frederica, 19th April, 1778. 



126 TRADITIONS ANt) EEMINISCENCES OF 

He continued in the service of the State, and aided ill 
the defence of Charleston, during the siege by Sil* 
Henry Clinton. He of course became a prisoner, by 
capitulation ; but, in violation of its terms, he was sent 
oif to St. Augustine, and there confined eleven months* 
When released from this imprisonment, by exchangCj 
he arrived in Philadelphia, in August, 1781. 

Here he became acquainted with a very amiable 
family, and married one of the daughters. Miss Anna 
Wilson, eldest daughter of Captain John Wilson, of 
Bucks county, Pennsylvania, by whom he had several 
children, only one of whom, the present Dr. William 
Hall, has survived him. We have not heard of Cap^ 
tain Hall's being engaged in naval warfare after his 
Return from St. Augustine, but have heard that during 
the American revolution, including his privateering out 
of Boston, he had captured, or, by his squadron, had 
aided in capturing, sixty-three of the enemy's vessels* 
Few Americans ever lived who have been equally suc-^ 
cessful in annoying the commerce of their enemies, and 
in protecting that of their country. But, as to his 
individual profits from those captures, little, if any 
thing, remained at the close of the revolution. Cap* 
tain Hall had very judiciously ordered, that his prize 
money should be immediately expended in the pur^ 
chase of land in and near Charleston. But his friend, 
charged with these instructions, was deterred from 
their execution, by a mistaken impression that the 
price asked was too high, that the rise in property was 
Unreasonably great ; he did not reflect that it was the 
I'eal depreciation of the currency, causing the appa-' 
fent increase in the value of real estate. In conse- 
quence. Captain Hall received only an immense nomi- 
nal amount of continental money, instead of possessing 
houses and lands, at the close of the revolution. But 
he was young, healthy and enterprising. He engaged 
actively in commerce, and again realized a competent 
estate, with which he retired to domestic enjoyment. 

The Notre Dame, to which Captain Hall was very 
much attached, was in port when Charleston was be* 



*itE AMEElCAl^ EEVOLtJTiOI^. 12T 

sieged by the united forces of Admiral Arbuthnot and 
Sir Henry Clinton. When the British fleet passed the 
forts and anchored in the harbor, it was^ with reason, 
apprehended that they might also pass the city, and 
enfilade the lines ; they might even bombard and burn 
the city. To guard against these contingencies, the 
council ordered that Cooper river be obstructed, by 
sinking a number of vessels across it, from the Ex-- 
change, eastwardly, connecting them by what was 
called a boom, and forming a Mnd of clievetix defrise^ 
Accordingly, the Bricole, of forty-four guns, the Queen 
of France, of twenty-eight guns — -both purchased from 
the French^-the well-remembered brig, Notre Dame, 
and the General Moultrie, a large privateer, were sunk 
for that purpose. Besides these vessels, owned by the 
State, the following were captured in port when 
Charleston capitulated : The Providence, a thirty-two 
gun frigate ; the Boston, a thirty-two gun frigate ; the 
Laventure, a twenty-six gun frigate ; the Truite, a 
twenty-six gun frigate ; the Ranger, a twenty gun 
sloop of war ; and the General Lincoln, a sixteen gun 
sloop of war. Besides these, which cost the State a 
great deal of money, they had then cruising on the 
coast of Europe the splendid frigate South-Carolina^ 
under command of Commodore Gillon, probably the 
finest frigate in the world at that time. 

Thus South-Carolina, although unfortunate, was one 
of the most energetic States of the Union, in her en-- | 
deavors to establish a navy for the protection of her ■ 
extensive trade and sales of indigo, tobacco and rice^ 
Charleston and the State generally were never more 
prosperous than in the years 1777, 1778, and 1779. 



MEMOIR OF COJMMODORE ALEXANDER GILLON. 

In the year 1777 and '78, the ^ovt of Charleston 
Was blockaded by various British cruisers. At one 
time, three of these were particularly troublesome. 
There was but one armed vessel in port, and she wag 



128 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

Hot more than a match for either of the British ves^ 
sels, singly. Alexander Gillon, extensively engaged in 
mercantile pursuits, volunteered to go out against the 
three with this single vessel, if the governor would 
sanction it, and supply him with a suitable number of 
marines, in addition to the crew of the vessel. The 
proposal was accepted, and the marines drafted from 
the regulars in the service of the State. 

He disguised his vessel, by means of tarpaulins and 
a change of rigging, to look like a merchantman* 
By moving with secrecy and great despatch, the secret 
enemies on shore could not notify the British of the 
changes made and movements contemplated by the 
Americans. Gillon went to sea while the enemy were 
in sight, but at some distance, and a little scattered. 
In his assumed character, Gillon pretended to runaway 
from the British cruisers, and concealed all his men 
under his windward railings. One of the enemy pur- 
sued him, and thus became at a still greater distance 
from his comrades. When he came up with Gillon's 
vessel, he ran alongside with the utmost confidence. 
Gillon then threw his grappling irons on board, and, 
at the head of his marines, boarded the British vessel, 
and captured her with very little loss on either side^ 
Gillon then divided his prisoners between the two 
vessels, and secured them under hatches. He also 
divided his men and officers between the two, and con- 
sidered himself a match for the two remaining block- 
aders, able and willing to fight them, if fighting should 
be necessary ; still he proceeded in disguise. He kept 
the British flag flying on his prize, and j-eversed the 
American on his own vessel, over which he hoisted a 
British flag, to indicate that his had been captured, 
and not the other. The two then made easy sail to- 
wards the British vessels. On coming up with the 
first, he ran alongside in her comrade which had just 
been captured, and surprised her by boarding, without 
firing a gun. The third blockader seeing no fight, and 
hearing no firing, suftered herself to be surrounded, 
before she could suppose that they were her enemy's 



THE AMEBIC AN EEVOLUTION, 129 

vessels ; but when their flags were, at a given signal, 
all displayed in form, she found that escape was im- 
possible and resistance useless ; she, therefore, surren- 
dered at discretion. Gillon returned in triumph into 
Charleston with his prizes, and this brilliant exploit 
transferred him from the counting-house to the quar- 
ter deck of the finest frigate then afloat. 

The above particulars were told to me by a gentle- 
man who was in Charleston when the capture of these 
three vessels took place. I once had the particulars 
in my hands, stated by the son of Commodore Gillon, 
from his father's papers, for the Literary and Philo- 
sophical Society. I put the manuscript, detailing the 
names of the different vessels and their respective 
forces, into the hands of Mr. Stephen Elliott, president 
of that society, but have reason to believe that it was 
mislaid or lost in some of the frequent removals of its 
museum and collections. 

Soon after the last expedition, under Captain 'N. 
Biddle, had sailed, the Legislature of South-Carolina 
resolved to purchase or build three frigates in France, 
and to have a commodore and three captains to com- 
mand them. Alexander Gillon, Esq., was accordingly 
elected commodore, and John Joyner, William Robert- 
son, and John McQueen, Esquires, elected captains. 
They were commissioned by President Lowndes, in 
the spring of 1Y78, and sailed to France, taking with 
them a great deal of indigo, rice and tobacco, the 
produce of the country, to supply the funds necessary 
for the outfits of these three frigates. On the 8th 
jS^ovember, 1777, Commodore Gillon wrote to the 
Hon. Henry Laurens, President of Congress, proposing 
to go out to France and Holland, where he was well 
known, as a merchant, for the j)urpose of sending out 
supplies of arms, ammunition, clothing and money, 
which were very much wanted at that time by Con- 
gress and by South-Carolina. The offer was accepted 
by Congress ; but before Gillon was notified of it, he 
received the commission of commodore in the navy of 
South-Carolina. This commission was accepted under 

9 



130 TEADITIO]?fS AOT) EEMINISCENCES OF 

the impression that his own State had the first right 
to his services. Gillon could not sail until Septemher ; 
convoyed by the Notre Dame, he arrived in Havana. 
Here he refitted, and became so strongly impressed 
with the importance of that port as a station for 
American cruisers, that he urged it on the provisions 
of Congress, in a letter, dated 18th September, 1778. 
By various detentions he was prevented from reaching 
France until the first of the year 1779. 

A navy board was also established at the same 
time, to transact the business of the department, with 
power to fill vacancies in the navy and in the marine 
corps attached thereto, and to draw on the treasury 
of the State for expenses, <fec. Edward Blake, Roger 
Smith, Josiah Smith, George Smith, Edward Darrell, 
Thomas Corbett, John Edwards, George Abbott Hall, 
and Thomas Savage, Esquires, were appointed com- 
missioners. They were all men of business, most of 
them merchants, and they were diligent in forwarding 
supplies to the commodore, by remitting the produce 
of the country to Europe. But these shipments were 
so frequently captured by the enemy, that nothing 
was purchased by Gillon, except some clothing and 
ammunition for the use of the State, and that on 
credit. 

A large frigate, called the Indian, had been built 
in Holland, at Amsterdam, by order of the French 
king, for the United States, at the instance of Dr. 
Franklin, and the command of her offered to the 
celebrated John Paul Jones. But as a neutral nation, 
the government of Holland was obliged to interfere and 
prevent its destination. The frigate was then sold, 
and purchased by the Duke of Luxembm^g, a subject 
of France. Commodore Gillon had not the funds for 
purchasing any one or more frigates, but he hired this 
fine ship from the duke for three years, engaging to 
return her, and pay over one-fourth of her prize 
money. lie also enlisted men and marines for her 
crew, but then found her too large to be floated out 
of the Texel. With much difliculty and delay, she at 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 131 

last got over thebar in August, 1781, and was called the 
South-Carolina. She mounted 28 Swedish 36 pound- 
ers on her main deck, 12 Swedish 12 pounders on her 
forecastle and quarter deck, with 69 seamen and 280 
marines; she was equal to many sixty gun ships 
of that day, and very like to the razees of the present. 
Commodore Gillon first cruised in the European seas, 
and took many valuable prizes, which were sent into 
the friendly European ports. He next cruised off the 
American coast and in the West Indies, where he 
captured ten more prizes, all of which were sent into 
Havana for sale. While refitting in this port, he 
united with our Spanish allies and some American pri- 
vateers, in an expedition against the Bahama Islands, 
In May, 1782, he sailed from Havana, commander of 
a fleet of eighty-two vessels, Spanish and American. 
He succeeded in reducing the Bahamas from the 
British to the Spanish government, and left them 
under a Spanish governor, supported by seven or 
eight hundred regular troops. Neither the State of 
South-Carolina nor the Duke of Luxemburg derived 
any benefit from the capture of these islands; nor 
was anything received by either of them, from the 
numerous captures made by the frigate. The commo- 
dore probably received money from the sale of the 
prizes, but it was all divided between himself and the 
crew of his frigate. K the State's portion was left by 
him in the hands of the agents, that portion was 
never recovered. Even the expenses of refitting the 
ship in Philadelphia, were afterwards paid by the 
State. It was said at the time that this expedition 
cost South-Carolina £100,000 sterling, equal to $500, 
000, without any returns, and without annoying the 
common enemy in proportion to the expenditure. 

Shortly after the surrender of the Bahama Islands, 
the frigate South-Carolina parted from her confede- 
rates, and arrived in Philadelphia. Here she was 
completely refitted ; Commodore Gillon resigned and 
left her in command of Captain John Joyner, his next 
in rank. When the frigate was ready for sea, the 



132 TRADITIOlSrS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

Britlsli in New- York knew it as well as her own 
crew. The New- York papers even announced the 
day of her sailing, and offered to bet that she would 
be brought into that port within a given number of 
days. The frigate left the Capes of Delaware at the 
time anticipated by the New-Yorkers, and shortly 
after it three British frigates joined in pursuit of her. 
In this crisis, as I was informed by Richard Wall, one 
of her crew. Captain Joyner was not to be seen; 
he certainly was not on his quarter deck, directing 
the course and management of the ship during 
the chase, nor her preparation for action, if that 
should be necessary. When the enemy came with- 
in gunshot, one of the thirty-six pounders, by order 
of an officer, was fired at the nearest British frigate, 
and the ball passed through her cabin, near the 
quarter galleries, showing what more might be 
done. At this Joyner came out of his cabin, 
not in the usual dress of an officer going into battle, 
but with his head newly powdered, with his best 
naval uniform on, decorated with gold lacing and 
epaulets, as if going, by invitation, to a dinner party. 
Instead of ordering a general fire to be opened on the 
enemy, he reprimanded the officer in the presence of 
his men, for having fired that gun without his permis-» 
sion. Not another gun was fired by the South- 
Carolina, and she was shamefully surrendered without 
resistance.* Captain Joyner was put on shore in 
New- York, and went about on his parole ; but his men 
were confined in the prison ships, lying in the Walla- 
baugh, back of Brooklyn. Mr. Wall also told me, 
that his brother, Gilbert Wall, was with him in this 
frigate at this time, and was outrageous at their 
surrender Tvdthout a fight. That both of them, and 
many others of her crew, had been A\ith Paul Jones 
in the capture of the Serapis ; that they all believed 
she could have sunk at least one of the British 
frigates, and might have escaped from the other two ; 

*See Moultrie's Memoirs, and Ramsay's Revolution in South-Carolina, 



THE AM^EICAN tlEVOLUTIOK^ 133 

Tbut that tlie Soutli-Carolina had been sold and her 
crew also. Against this verbal report from one of 
her crew, it is but just to state that in March, 1784, 
the Legislature of South-Carolina constituted a court 
of naval officers, then out of commission, for the trial 
of Captain John Joyner, at his request, for the loss of 
the frigate South-Carolina, and that he was honorably 
acquitted by them. Among other respectable names 
appointed for this purpose, we find those of Captain 
William Hall, Captain Charles Crowley, and Lieuten- 
ant John Mayrant, and Captain K. Cochran. 

Copy of a letter from Captain John Joyner, late of 
the frigate South-Carolina. 

Chakleston, IYth March, llSi. 

(Gentlemen: — I find by the ordinance, passed the 10th inst,, for an 
inquiry into the loss of the frigate, the South-Carolina, then under my 
command, that you are nominated the commissioners of the court for 
that purpose, and that the court was to sit immediately (after) passing 
the said ordinance. 

As I have been in Charleston a great length of time, waiting for 
such inquiry, as my expenses are very great, and as my private affairs 
cali pressingly for my attending to them, I request that you be 
pleased immediately to form the court, that the said inquiry may be 
had and made with all possible despatch. 

I am, gentlemen, your obedient and most humble servant, 

JOHN JOYNER. 

To Captain Robert Cochran, Captain David Lockwood, Captain 
Stephen Seymour, Captain William Hall, Captain Jacob Milligan, 

Captain John , Captain Symou Tuft, Captain Charles Crowley, 

and Lieutenant John Mayrant. 

Commodore Gillon was a man of a very fine person- 
ial appearance, and of a very acute, well cultivated 
mind. He could converse in seven different langua- 
ges, and write in five of them. He was born in 
Rotterdam, in 1Y41; his family being one of the old- 
est and most wealthy in that great commercial city. 
He was probably accustomed from childhood to a 
style of living which, at a subsequent time of life, 
exhausted his resources, and at his death left his estate 
insolvent, iujm-ed some of his best friends, and re- 
duced his beloved family to want. 



134 TKADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

The family iible of Gillon's grandmother, is still 
extant, with the name " Madame Johanna LeGillon," 
written in it, dated 1600, and having the old lady's 
coat of arms painted on the first leaf; but the names 
of his parents I never heard. As long as I can 
remember, apprenticeship in a Dutch counting-house 
has been considered the evidence of mercantile knowl- 
edge. Having served in this capacity, Alexander 
Gillon removed to London, and continued in England 
about four years, but how occupied or situated, when 
there, we never heard. He came from England to 
Charleston in 1Y66, an excellent English scholar, a 
handsome gentleman. In the same vessel with him, 
Mrs. Mary Cripps, a widow, and her son, John Splat 
Cripps, were fellow passengers. They were very 
respectable, genteel people, natives of Kent county, in 
England, emigrating to a new country, with a consider- 
able estate. Gillon courted her during the passage to 
Charleston, and they were married in a fetv months 
after their arrival in that port. 

They lived in a handsome establishment on East 
Bay, were intimate with many of the most respectable 
families in the State, and had a handsome country 
seat, called Ashley Hill, on Ashley river, in the vicin- 
ity of the city, next south of Middleton Place. It was 
there General Greene encamped previous to the re- 
capture of Charleston, and lost many of his men by 
the country fever, bilious remittents or fall fevers. Gil- 
lon became actively engaged in mercantile pursuits, 
and was considered a rich Dutch merchant. He took 
into co-partnership with him, one of his own country- 
men, Florian Charles May, and his step-son, John Splat 
Cripps, and the firm continued successful in business 
until May, 11^1^ at which time Gillon retired from it. 
As the other two partners continued to be very inde- 
pendent merchants then and many years after the revo- 
lution, they had, no doubt, each a very handsome share 
of the divided stock. 

Gillon's active, enterprising turn of mind led him to 
engage in the brilliant enterprise that we have above 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLtJTION. 135 

described; and Ms success on tMs occasion induced 
the government of South-Carolina to appoint him 
commodore, and to send him to Holland for a com- 
mand of three frigates, to be there built or purchased. 
His commission was signed by Rawlins Lowndes, Pres- 
ident of the State in 1778, and Gillon sailed with one 
of his captains, John Joyner, in a letter of marque, 
well loaded with indigo, rice and tobacco, the produce 
of the State, all of which were at that time very valu- 
able in Europe. He arrived safe in France, and sold 
his cargo to great advantage. There he purchased 
and shipped a quantity of cloths, blankets, <fec., for 
the soldiers in the service of the State. The other 
vessels going out to him, with similar cargoes, were all 
captured by the British cruisers, and in them were 
probably captured his other two captains, Robertson 
and McQueen, as nothing more was heard of them, at 
least in tradition. In the meantime, Gillon having 
returned to his native country, a retired merchant of 
wealth and great respectability in that which he had 
adopted, holding a high office, and charged with the 
execution of important public services, was held in 
very high consideration. Being a man of talents, of 
elegant person and engaging deportment, he lived 
among the delegates of royalty and nobility, in high 
style, and travelled about with expensive equipages 
for the benefit, no doubt, of the republican State 
which he represented, for a limited object only. Be- 
ing disappointed in the arrivals of other consignments, 
living in profusion, and enlisting men for his contem- 
plated cruise, Commodore Gillon soon expended all the 
cargo of the letter of marque, and every nail in her 
bottom, and then resorted to the credit system. He 
pledged his own and the credit of South-Carolina to 
effect his objects as far as possible. 

Among others from whom he obtained loans and 
credits, was Peter Buyck, a wealthy merchant of 
Amsterdam, who not having received the promised 
remittances and consignments of prizes, for the sale of 



i^6 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

whicli lie was to be tlie ageot, became a bankrupt. 
After the revolution lie came to Charleston, in hopes 
of receiving something from Commodore Gillon and 
the State, but not producing his vouchers or authority 
from the commissioners, to whom he had assigned 
them, his claims were refused, and the unfortunate 
man was reduced to indigence. Here he supported 
himself by dealing in empty bottles. 

Another creditor was the Duke of Luxemburg, 
whose claims were in such form and for such objects, 
that the State admitted them and appropriated the 
amount. But there being no one to receive it, the 
money was put at interest, to meet the claim when 
properly made. In the nieantime the French revolu- 
tion took place, the duke was a royalist and an 
emigrant ; his estate was confiscated by the republican 
government, and he, too, became poor. Commodore 
Gillon's whole mission to Holland was attended by a 
series of misfortunes to those interested in it. After 
the revolution he, however, continued in high estima- 
tion and influence in South-Carolina, associating in all 
the active duties of a good citizen. He was senator 
in Congress many years ; and when not so delegated, 
he served in the State Legislature, and in the conven- 
tions by which the federal constitution was adopted, 
and that of the State amended. In a debate, which 
occurred on one of these occasions, Mr. Charles Pinck- 
ney having the floor, introduced a Latin quotation, to 
elucidate the subject to men, very few of whom 
tmderstood the language. When he resumed his seat, 
Commodore Gillon replied to him, and in the course 
of his address observed, "that the learned gentleman 
had enlightened the minds of his audience by a Latin 
sentence, and he would follow his good example as 
far as possible, but would prove the reverse of his 
position, by a quotation from High Dutch, which he 
hoped would be equally well understood by his hear- 
ers. He then gave the house a sentence from a 
German author, which he assured them was applicable 



TtiE AMEBIC AN EEVOLUTIOK* IBl 

to tHe subject l3efore tlie Assembly. It would be 
needless to say that tliere were no more quotations, in 
that session, from the dead or foreign languages. 

Chancellor Richard Hutson, himself a great admirer 
of the learned languages, told me that when he was a 
member of the Continental Congress, during the revo- 
lution, a young member, expressing his indignation at 
some acts of the British government, wished that the 
Americans could be effectually separated from them 
for ever, and speak a different language from theirs, 
and then spoke in favor of the Greek, as one of the 
best that could be adopted. When he sat down, an 
elderly gentleman (I think it Was Roger Sherman, of 
Connecticut) said, that he would like the gentleman's 
suggestion very well, but at his time of life did not 
like to study Greek, and would second the learned 
gentleman if he would move that the British nation 
should he obliged to speak the Greek, and we retain 
the plain English. 

When President Washington visited the Southern 
States, Commodore Gillon was one of the committee 
of arrangements, for entertaining him in Charleston. 
At the supper of a public ball given to him, Gillon was 
requested to fill the places at the head of the table. 
With ready tact, he handed Mrs. Shubrick to the seat 
opposite to President Washington, she being the hand- 
somest matron in the assembly ; and next to him, on 
the right, was placed Miss Claudia Smith, the most 
witty and sociable of the young ladies ; thus judicious- 
ly enhancing all the pleasures of the entertainment. 

The State House in Charleston having been burnt, 
the Legislature were called on, at their next meeting, 
to re-build it. In the spring of 1786, they met in the 
hall of the Custom House, fitted up in haste for the 
occasion, with plain benches and temporary desks, not 
even painted. The country members were generally 
economical in their votes for appropriations, but, on 
this occasion, they not only re-built the house for a 
court house, but resolved to build a town also. They 
embraced the opportunity to remove the seat of gov- 



138 TRADITIONS AND REJUNISCENCES OF 

ernment from Charleston to a central position in the 
State, and there to erect the necessary public build- 
ings. In this part of their proceedings they acted 
with much harmony, but when the question arose 
about the particular location of the town, there arose 
a contention among the many who owned land in the 
interior, each of them insisting that his land was the 
best situated for the purpose. General Sumter owned 
large tracts of land on the Wateree river, and, in anti- 
cipation of this removal, had commenced building a 
village three years before this fire, and called it State- 
burg. Colonel Wade Hampton, Colonel T. Taylor, 
Commodore Gillon and others, owned lands on the 
C'^ugaree river, and the neighbors of each united 
in advocating the relative merits and advantages of 
each position. In the discussion, a personal dispute 
arose between General Sumter and Commodore Gillon. 
Without a message or pre-concert, each came the next 
morning into the House, armed with a small sword, the 
weapon usually worn, at that time, by gentlemen for 
defence. This was observed by the other members. 
Here were two game cocks, gaifed and pitted; had 
either of them crowed, the other would probably have 
struck, and bloodshed ensued. One of the members, 
I think it was Mr. Edward Rutledge, took the earliest 
opportunity of bringing the occurrence to the notice 
of the House, in a ver}^ soothing address ; and com- 
plimenting, in a becoming manner, the established repu- 
tation of these two gentlemen for patriotism and valor, 
showed them that no imputation could tarnish their 
characters, and least of all should a hasty or inconsi- 
derate expression, in the warmth of a debate, be con- 
sidered serious by two such gentlemen. He hoped 
that the House would interpose, and reconcile the dif- 
ference between them. The Speaker first addressed the 
parties, and tlien the House ; the dispute was settled. 
The site of Columbia was selected, chiefly because 
it was the more central of the two, and at the head of 
boat navigation ; and Commodore Gillon was appointed 
one of the commissioners for having it surveyed and 



THE AIHERICAN REVOLUTION. 139 

laid out into streets and lots. All admire tlie foresight 
and taste displayed in the execution of this commis- 
sion. Columbia is one of the most beautiful inland 
towns in the United States. 

In 1787, Commodore Gillon became a widower, 
Mrs. Gillon having died at their country seat, on 
Ashley river. After this, he sold the place and settled 
on Congaree river, three or four miles above Totness, 
and called the place Gillon's Retreat. He embellished 
it with his usual taste and elegance, and formed seve- 
ral beautiful avenues, radiating from the front of his 
hospitable mansion. 

In 1789, he married Miss Ann Purcell, daughter of 
the Rev. Dr. Henry Purcell, rector of St. Michael's 
Church, in Charleston. He continued to live at this 
delightful establishment, in his usual expensive style, 
and was still considered a very rich man. Here he 
had a family of three children — a son, named after 
himself, and two daughters, who, after his death, grew 
up ; one of them and his son married and had fami- 
lies. Here he died, in 1794, in the fifty-third year of 
his age ; shortly after which, his widow, finding his 
estate embarrassed, gave up the property, and removed 
to Charleston. 

A son of Peter Buyck came forward about this 
time, with claims from his father's estate against the 
estate of Commodore Gillon, and produced a mortgage 
(I believe) of the elegant place, the Retreat. He cer- 
tainly became the owner of it, and agrandson of Peter 
Buyck is still the proprietor and resident at Gillon's 
Retreat. 

Commodore Gillon always told his family that he 
had spent much of his private fortune, and embarrassed 
the remainder, for the benefit of the State, in his mis- 
sion to Holland, during the revolution, but having left 
his vouchers in Europe for safe keeping, he could not 
substantiate his accounts. After some years he did 
bring forward his claim, which, on examination by a 
committee of the Legislature, was reported to be un- 
exceptionable, and payment was recommended. Pay- 



140 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

ment was accordingly made, and the State thought it 
all settled ; l)ut in a year or two another account was 
brought against them, incurred during the same mis- 
sion. This also appeared to be unexceptionable, and 
was paid. Then came another and another for repairs 
of the frigate after each cruise, and her equipment for 
an ensuing cruise. These were all paid, and yet Com- 
modore Gillon's family are still under an impression 
that their father's services were never remunerated. 

After the death of Commodore Gillon, the son of 
iPeter Buyck also brought forward heavy demands 
against the State for clothing, &c., <fec., furnished by 
his father, under the orders of their commodore, in the 
revolutionary war. There being no offset or defence 
discoverable, this was paid ; and this was followed by 
another and another, until secured by stipulations that 
no other claim should be made against the State. 

The debt to the Duke of Luxemburg was previously 
set apart on interest, as stated. It was subsequently 
claimed by the Minister of France, in Washington, 
and paid to his order. 

Mrs. Gillon, the widow of the commodore, removed 
to Connecticut, that she might live more frugally in 
her reduced circumstances, and died in 1844, in Litch- 
field. Her descendants continue to live in that neigh- 
borhoods 



TORY INSURRECTION. 

Among the residents of the back country, there was 
a larger proportion of royalists than in the middle and 
low country. They obtained their lands at little or no 
trouble or cost, and believed that they held them by 
the favor of the king, who owned all the country, and 
Avould, at his pleasure, eject them and again take pos- 
session of their fields and habitations. They knew 
nothing of conditions in the charter, by which no taxes 
could be legally imposed on them, except by their own 
elected delegates ; and believed that, as the original 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. 14X 

grants were from the king, lie still possessed tlie rights 
of a landlord to collect a revenue from the tenants. 
Many of them had been Schofilites a few years before, 
and had been screened from personal injury by officers 
of the crown, when threatened by the Regulators, 
previous to the establishment of circuit courts in those 
parts of the Province, In these opinions and predilec- 
tions, they were encouraged by Ijord William Camp- 
bell, the royal governor, and his emissaries. Commis^ 
sions were issued to their leaders by the governor, and 
positive assurances given that forces would soon be 
sent out from Great Britain to restore the royal au-^ 
thority in every part of America ; that the power of 
Great Britain was so great, both by sea and land, that 
no other nation could withstand it, much less these 
half-settled Provinces. 

In order to counteract this influence, and pacify the 
minds of these misguided people, the committee of 
safety sent messengers of peace among them, men of 
character and influence, of eloquence and piety, of 
nioderation and firmness ; such were Colonel Kershaw, 
Rev. William Tenant, William Henry Drayton, and 
others. With much difficulty some pacific measures 
Avere agreed to ; but scarcely had the whigs retired, 
when the Cunninghams gave out that they would not 
be bound by any such agreement, and a general resort 
to arms, on both sides, was the consequence. The roy- 
alists were headed by Robert and Patrick Cunniugham, 
Fletchal, Moses Kirkland, Hugh and Thomas Brown, 
Robinson and others. The whigs were led on by 
Colonel Andrew Williamson, who, after a show of 
opposition, turned and retreated to Cambridge, Ninety- 
Six ; was there attacked, besieged and capitulated, 
before aid and support could be sent to him. 

The committee of safety, as soon as they heard of 
the Cunningham's resistance, sent ofl:' orders to Gene- 
ral Richardson, of the militia, and to Colonel Wil- 
liam Thomson, of the Rangers, to march forward and 
suppress it. Richardson was already advancing with 
eleven hundred men, and his forces were increasing every 



142 TRADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

day. The patriots of North-Carolina, with nine hun- 
dred men, under Colonels Polk, Rutherford and Cas- 
well, joined him after he crossed the Saluda, and with 
other reinforcements, gave him the command of more 
than four thousand men. All opposition was consi- 
dered desperate, but the royalists continued in arms, 
retreating under Patrick Cunningham into the Indian 
nation, whose neutrality they supposed might protect 
them. The powder which they had seized was recov- 
ered, most of their leaders were arrested and sent down 
to Charleston. Cunningham's party, when much re- 
duced, was suprised in the Cherokee country, and many 
of his men captured ; but he escaped on his horse, bare- 
backed. 

John Stuart, Agent of Indian Affairs, fearing for his 
personal safety in South-Carolina and Georgia, had taken 
refuge in St. Augustine, from whence he intrigued with 
the Indians and tories, bordering on the three southern 
States, and supplied them with arms, ammunition and 
money, for hostilities against the whigs of those States. 
The combined attack of the British army and navy on 
Sullivan's Island, was also made in concert with him ; 
that he should, previous to the sailing of that expedi- 
tion, make a diversion in their favor, by commencing 
Indian hostilities on a very extensive scale. This 
would have been awfully distressing to the southern 
States, but by the capture of the vessel bearing the 
despatches, in the hands of Moses Kirkland, the plan 
was disconcerted, and the southerners prepared for 
defence. 

Colonel Andrew Williamson was sent against the 
Indians ; but so great was the terror of their barbari- 
ties, that the inhabitants, instead of rallying round 
Williamson, were all engaged in first remo\dng their 
families to some place of safety. In consequence, he 
could not at first repel the enemy ; he could only stem 
the torrent of border warfare. Until the news arrived 
of Moultrie's victory at Sullivan's Island, Williamson 
had only about five hundred men. About this time, 
also, a battle was fought, in which the Americans, 



THE AMEEIOAN EEVOLUTION. 143 

under Major Downs, beat a party of Indians and tories 
united. These two incidents being known, put Wil- 
liamson at tlie bead of eleven hundred and fifty men. 
With a part of these he advanced into the Cherokee 
nation, but suffered himself to be drawn into an ambus- 
cade, and, for a while, suffered severely. From this 
dilemma, he was extricated by the bravery of Colonel 
LeRoy Hammond, of Edgefield, who, with a few fol- 
lowers, charged on the concealed Indians, started them 
from their covert at the point of the bayonet, gave 
them a deadly volley as they were running, and dis- 
persed them. Williamson burnt their towns and rav- 
aged their fields, on both sides of the river Keowee ; 
but in all these proceedings against the lower towns of 
the nation. Colonel Hammond was the hero. 

Williamson then retired from the Indian country, to 
obtain provisions and refresh his men. On the 13th 
of September, he again advanced at the head of two 
thousand men, in much better spirits than before. 
They were again attacked by an equal number of In- 
dians and tories, under skilful officers. Their positions 
were judiciously chosen, ably fortified, and bravely 
defended; but by the good conduct and bravery of the 
Americans, their enemies were vanquished and dis- 
persed. Lieutenant Richard Hampton distinguished 
himself in this hard fought battle. 

Williamson continued his progress through the Chero- 
kee nation, burning and destroying every thing before 
him. None of the previous Indian wars, even when 
aided and supported by the British crown and British 
regulars, had been as decidedly successful as this, the 
first warfare of our young republic. The year 1776 
was a distinguished era in the history of South-Caro- 
lina : a combined attack of the British army and navy 
was defeated, and the Cherokee nation of Indians 
totally vanquished, and made to surrender their lands, 
as the price of peace, although supported by the British. 

In the second battle fought in this war — that in 
which Colonel L. Hammond distinguished himself — the 
death of Mr. Francis Salvador was most lamented. He 



X44 TEADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OP 

was a highly accomplislied gentleman in his education 
and deportment, highly honorable and generous in his 
character and conduct. He was a native of England, 
of Hebrew parents and persuasion. He inherited a 
large fortune from his father, Jacob Salvador, and mar- 
ried his first cousin, by whom he also acquired a hand- 
some addition to his estate. His brother married a 
daughter of Barouj Suasso, and settled in mercantile 
pursuits, at the Hague, the capital of Holland. Early 
in 1774, Mr. Salvador, with his friend, Richard A. 
Kapeley, came out to South-Carolina, purchased a large 
tract of land and negroes, in Ninety-Six District, and 
lived there honored and esteemed. He became a mem^ 
ber of the General Assembly, and was warmly attached 
to the principles of the American revolution. When 
the detachment was surprised, Mr. Salvador was the 
first man killed. He received two wounds, was scalped, 
and died in forty-five minutes, unconscious of the sav- 
age act. 

Andrew Williamson was born in Scotland, and 
probably removed, when young, with his parents to 
Ninety Six District, in South-Carolina. At that time 
the facilities of obtaining an education in Scotland 
were so great, that many were sent over from Ameri- 
ca to that country to reap its benefits. The peasantry 
of Scotland were better and more generally instructed 
in the elementary branches of knowledge, than anj?"' 
other people in Europe. Andrew Williamson, with a 
good natural understanding, great energy of character, 
and a Scotchman, was, nevertheless, illiterate. This 
can only be accounted for by assuming that he lost 
the advantages of education in his own country, by 
emigrating to this, while a child.* 

Large ilocks of cattle were kept at that time all 
over South-Carolina, in settlements called cow pens ; 
very much as still practised by the Spaniards south of 
lis. Active, faithful, enterprising young men were 
employed to take care of these herds of cattle; to 

*U.Q signed liis name " And - W^son." 



THE AMEEICAN RE VOLUTION. 145 

pen, brand and mark tliem, for a future market. 
Williamson was first brought into notice wliile em- 
ployed in this capacity, and a better school can scarce- 
ly be imagined for training the youth to hardihood, 
enterprise and scenes of danger. He was called a cow 
driver, and was certainly a very skilful woodsman. 
He had probably been out in the Indian wars, when 
Colonel Montgomery defeated the Cherokees in 1760, 
and he certainly was with Colonel Grant in 1761, at 
which time he was distinguished for intrepidity and 
expedients. 

At the commencement of the revolution, Williamson 
was found to be a man of influence in the upper coun- 
try, a major of the militia, a good whig, and a 
marriage connection of Le Roy Hammond. Andrew 
Williamson married Miss Eliza Tyler, of Virginia, and 
Le Roy Hammond married her sister; there was a 
thii'd sister married, I believe, to Captain Winter. 
He was with Drayton and Tennant, when the whigs 
and tories first armed against each other ; and when 
Patrick Cunningham, idth a party of loyalists, inter- 
cepted the supply of powder, which the council of 
safety were sending to the Cherokee Indians, in order 
to secure their peace and good will, Major William- 
son immediately began to embody his command of 
militia, for the purpose of recovering the powder, and 
counteracting the tory insurrection; but they were 
too numerous for the whigs. Williamson was obliged 
to retreat and fortify his camp, in Cambridge. Here 
he was besieged by the royalists, under Major Joseph 
Robinson and Captain Patrick Cunningham, and after 
several days of hard fighting, the whigs, amounting to 
five hundred and sixty-two men, surrendered to one 
thousand eight hundred and ninety tories, on the 2 2d 
Nov., 1775. Fortunately for the whigs. Colonel Rich- 
ard Richardson and Colonel William Thomson were 
advancing for the relief of Williamson, but they came 
too late to prevent his surrender. They, however, 
continued to advance with increasing forces, until the 
royalists were completely overpowered cind dispersed. 

10 



146 TRADITIONS AND EEMINISCEISrCES OF 

Williamson, himself, joined Kicliardson in tMs expedi- 
tion, wliicli they called tlie Snow Camp, from the 
heavy falls of snow which then occm:Ted in December, 
1775; and he was afterwards charged with delivering 
to the Indians the powder which had been intercept- 
ed by Cunningham. 

When it was discovered, from intercepted despatches, 
that the British had concerted an inroad on the back 
country, by hostile Indians and tories, a little before 
the attack on the sea coast, by the united forces of 
Sir Henry Clinton and Sir Peter Parker, Gen. William- 
son was ordered to meet and oppose them. So great, 
however, was the terror from Indian barbarities, that 
no more than five hundred men could be collected in 
sixteen days. They had gone to remove their families 
to places of safety, and then returned to the post of 
danger and duty. Even with this small force, the 
Indians were kept in check — one battle was fought, by 
a division under Major Downes, and the Indians 
defeated. It was not decisive, but very encouraging, 
and immediately after it, the news arrived of the total 
defeat of the British army and navy, in their attack 
on Fort Sullivan. The concurrence of these joyful 
events, soon gave Williamson an army of two thousand 
men. He pushed forward into the Cherokee nation, 
with these ardent l^ut undisciplined troops, conquered 
them, and reduced them to a submissive peace. 

General Williamson was next engaged in opposing 
the projected inroad of Provost, from Florida, for the 
conquest of Georgia. The American troops were 
under the command of General Kobert Howe, and 
there never had been a finer body of men assembled 
in the Southern States. Captain James Butler, who 
was killed l)y Cunningham, at Hays' Station, and his 
more distinguished son. General William Butler, were, 
we believe, officers under Williamson in this expedi- 
tion. William Butler certainly commanded a troop 
of horse, under Pickens, shortly after this event. The 
expedition was grossly mismanaged; the commissary 
and quarter-master departments were miserably defi- 



THE AMEEICAN EEVOLUTION. 14'7 

cient, and the general was loudly and publicly censured 
for some of his conduct or neglect.* The army was 
halted in a very sickly part of the country, and 
remained withering away in listless inactivity. Sick- 
ness, dissension and disaffection ensued ; and the army, 
when reduced to a mere handful of discouraged troops, 
was routed by the British, under Colonel Archibald 
Campbell, and driven before his bayonets, through 
the very streets of Savannah. General Elbert, who 
commanded the remains of three Georgia Imttalions, 
distinguished himself in this battle or rout. 

We next hear of General Williamson when, under 
the command of General Lincoln, he was ordered to 
invade the south-western part of Georgia, and co-ope- 
rate with the whigs, while Lincoln marched directly 
down from near Augusta to Savannah, hoping to take 
it by covfp de main. Williamson had crossed the 
Ogechee, and made a new road, for his command, 
through the pine woods, which has ever since been 
called the rebel road. It was winding, as pine land 
roads generally are, but afforded his division a con- 
venient route for uniting with the many brave and 
patriotic Georgians in and about Liberty county. 
Provost outgeneraled Lincoln, by advancing rapidly 
to take Charleston, in the absence of the Southern 
army. Lincoln recalled Williamson, and hastened to 
save South-Carolina. He did so, but Williamson did 
not make his appearance as early as was expected ; he 
did not return in time for the active warfare which 
ensued. His absence prevented the early attack on 
Provost's entrenchments, but he was certainly present, 
with his command, at the battle of Stono, three or 
four weeks after Provost crossed the Savannah. He 
was also, with his command, in the siege of Savannah, 
under Count D'Estaing, and, in the disastrous attack, 
served with General Huger's division. Neither did 

*See duel between General Howe and General Gadsden, occasioned 
by a publication of General Gadsden, censuring General Howe for the 
sufferings of his army on this occasion. 



148 TRADITIONS AISTD REMIinSCENCES OF 

Williamson come to the aid of Charleston during its 
long siege. He neither threw himself into the be- 
leaguered city, for its defence, nor did he take any 
active part in annoying the British army, under Sir 
Henry Clinton, while carrying on that siege of six 
weeks. This he might have done, by frequent assaults, 
or more combined actions of the nulitia; for he held 
the highest commission of any officer out of the pre- 
cincts of Charleston, and was aided and encouraged by 
the presence of Governor Rutledge. Had William- 
son been with Colonel Washington, when he beat 
Tarlton, near Rantowls, they would pi'ol>ably have cap- 
tured most of the British cavalry, and prevented the de- 
feat at Monk's Corner and Lanud's Ferry. He might 
have saved the city and the State. When Charleston 
capitulated, he had about three hundred men under 
him, totally inactive, and he kept them together in 
that inactive state, until he not only capitulated with 
them, but himself had taken British protection. This 
conduct of General Williamson led many well in- 
formed persons to believe, that when he lingered in 
Georgia, during Provost's invasion, he had already 
decided on his defection ; and that he did it to favor 
the British in reconquering the Southern States. It 
was generally believed, that he had taken a British 
commission, but we have no evidence of this; he 
certainly did not engage in any active military move- 
ments in their service. His ability to do the Ameri- 
cans great injury was admitted by all, and he was 
both feared and hated by them. Williamson was 
called the Arnold of the South, and it was said that 
his countryman, Andrew Cameron, the Indian Agent 
under John Stuart, was the agent by Avhom he was 
corrupted. So great was the irritation against Wil- 
liamson, that when he was captured by Colonel Hayne, 
many believed it to be for the purpose of bringing 
him before a military tribunal for trial and execution. 
(See Johnson's Life of Greene.) 

In McCall's history of Georgia, Williamson is ac- 
cused of sending information of an expedition, headed 



THE AMEEICAN REVOLUTION. 149 

hj Colonel J. McCall, intended to capture Cameron 
in tlie Indian nation* (See vol. ii., page 81.) 

In Johnson's Life of Greene, volume 2d, page 386, 
he is also represented as one of those, in Charleston, 
from whom General Greene obtained information* of 
the British movements, through the influence of Colo' 
nel John Laurens. Thus was Williamson doubly a 
traitor, first to his country and next to his king. 
These were the general opinions in South-Carolina 
and Geoi^ia. Now, read Colonel Samuel Hammond's 
notes of what occurred, in his presence, on the fall of 
Charleston. 

COLONEL SAMUEL HAMMOND'S NOTES. 

This rendezvous was mtended to concentrate a force 
from the militia of the upper part of South-Carolina 
and Georgia, to be employed under the command of 
General Andrew Williamson, of South-Carolina, to 
make a diversion upon the outer posts of the enemy, 
near Savannah, with the view of drawing away a part 
of the British force employed before Charleston, in 
the hope of giving aid to General Lincoln. The 
militia were so tardy in their movements, that at the 
end of fifteen days there were not more, from Caro- 
lina, than tw~o hundred, and from Georgia -, 

under Colonel Clary. On being notified of the sm'- 
render of Charleston, these troops were notified that 
the enterprise was given up, and a council of the 
officers called, to meet the next day, at McLeans' 
Avenue, near Augusta, to consult what plan might be 
most advisable to adopt for the good of the country. 

Colonel Clary, with all the officers of his command, 
attended; Governor Howley, of Georgia, his council, 
his secretary of state; Colonel Dooly, and several 
other militia and continental officers of the Georgia 
line ; General Williamson and suite, with a number of 
field officers of his brigade, also attended. General 
Williamson presented a copy of the convention entered 
into by the American and British commanders, at 



150 TRADITIONS AND EE:>IINISCENCES OF 

Charleston, ttMcIi was read by one of Governor How- 
ley's secretaries. Various plans were proposed and 
discussed, but finally no plan of operation could be 
resolyed upon. Governor Howley, bis council, secre- 
tary of state, and a few officers of bis militia, deter- 
mined to retreat, witb sucb of tbe State papers as 
could be carried off conveniently towards tbe Nortb. 
General Williamson resolved to discbarge tbe few 
militia tben on duty at tbat place, retire to bis own 
residence, ^Miiteball, near Cambridge, to call together 
tbe field officers of bis brigade, and tbe most influen- 
tial citizens, to consult wbat course should be taken 
by him and the force of bis brigade. Colonel Dooly 
and Colonel Clarke retii'ed to Wilks county, and 
promised Williamson to co-operate witb him in any 
plan tbat should be adopted by tbe council, at ^Tiite- 
ball,/(9r the defence of the lower jpart of the tivo States^ 
or to retire with him to the North^ should tbat plan be 
determined upon. Some officers, still remaining in 
Augusta, witb a number of respectable citizens of the 
State, sent a flag towards Savannah, offering their 
surrender upon terms proposed; what those terms 
were, is not known. Everything being thus disposed 
of, Williamson moved hastily to Whitehall. A large 
number of his officers were assembled there, and high 
hopes were entertained, by Captain Hammond, prior 
to going into council, that tbe determination would 
be to move without loss of time, witb all tbe force 
there collected, and all that chose to follow, for the 
northward; to press the march, until a number suffi- 
cient for offensive operations should be collected, and 
then to keep up a kind of flying camp, until rein- 
forced from the main army. General Williamson had 
under bis command at that place, three independent 
companies of regidar infantry, raised 1>y Carolina, and 
enlisted for three years, or during tbe war. Their 
officers were good, and the troops well disciplined. 
There were one hundred and fifty to two hundred 
men, of various parts of the State (not organised) 
present; Colonel Andrew Pickens, being on bis march 



THE AJIEEICAN EEVOLUTION. 151 

for the lower country, was halted about three miles 
below and near Cambridge, Ninety-Six, and with 
this force a retreat would have been made safe, as the 
enemy had no force near us, exce23t the disaffected 
men of the State, imder Colonel Parris, and that not 
equal to us, either in number or discipline. Council 
met; the terms of capitulation in Charleston were 
read ; the general commented upon them, took a short 
view of the situation of the country, and wound up, 
by advising an immediate retreat ; but he said that 
lie would he governed hy the determination a majority of 
the council should adopt ; that they were friends, and 
well informed that their families and his would be 
equally exj)osed or protected, by any course that may 
be adopted. 

Captain Samuel Hammond says that he was struck 
dumb, on iinding not more than one officer of the staff, 
one field officer, and about four or five captains, to 
oppose an immediate acceptance of the terms stipu- 
lated for the militia of the State by the convention of 
Charleston. It was now proposed and carried, that a 
flag should be forthwith sent to Colonel Parris, to notify 
him of their determination, and to settle the time, 
place, and manner of surrender. 

Yet Williamson persevered ; Colonel Pickens was 
not of the council, but encamped a few miles off. The 
general again addressed the council, expressed his wish 
for a different determination, and proposed to ride with 
any number of the officers present, as many as chose 
to accompany him, to Pickens' camp ; stating that he 
wished to advise with the colonel, and to address the 
good citizens under his command. This plan was 
adopted, and we shall see what was the result. 

General Williamson had a short consultation with 
Colonel Pickens — ^his troops were di^awn up in square, 
all mounted — the general addressed them in spirited 
terms, stating that with his command alone, he could 
drive all the British force then in their district before 
him, without difficulty, and then caused the convention 
of Charleston to be read to them. After it was gone 



152 TEADITIONS AND EEMD^ISCENCES OF 

througli, lie again addressed them, that there was no- 
thing in the way of a safe retreat, and that he had no 
doubt that they would soon be able to return in such 
force as to keep the enemy at least confined to Charles- 
ton. He reminded them of what they had already 
done, and hoped they would persevere, but left it to 
themselves to say what they would do, and that he 
would go on or stay, as they should resolve. A short 
pause took place, when the general called to them, 
saying : " My fellow-citizens, all of you who are for 
going with me on a retreat, with arms in our hands, 
will hold up your hands ; and all who are for staying 
and accepting the terms made for you by General 
Lincoln, will stand as you are." Two officers, Captain 
McCall and Captain McLidle, with three or four pri- 
vates, held up their hands ; all else stood as they were. 
The question was again put, and the result was the 
same. 

Captain Samuel Hammond was present, and rode 
back with the general and his officers to Whitehall, 
and that evening, in company with Bennet Crafton, 
adjutant of one of Williamson's regiments, left White- 
hall, determined to make his retreat in the best man- 
ner possible. 

Towards the close of the revolution, Williamson dis- 
appeared from his place of residence, called Whitehall, 
about six miles west of Cambridge. Nothing more is 
said of him in our histories or traditions. The place 
of his retirement was never spoken of ; the time and 
place of his death are unknown ; he died an ol:)Scure, 
heart-broken, poor creature. Mr. James L. Petigru 
thinks that he heard his father say that Genei-al Wil- 
liamson died somewhere in the low country of South- 
Carolina. 

Notwithstanding all the allegations against him, it 
should be remem])ered that he never appeared in arms 
against his countrymen ; that he does not appear to 
have accepted a British commission ; and that he died 
poor. The last mention of his name that we find in 
print, is the act of the Legislature, hi 1782, confiscating 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTION, 153 

liis property, and another act of 1 78 3, restoring it, pro- 
bably in compliance witli tlie stipulation of General 
Greene, for information of the British movements in 
Charleston. General Williamson left two daughters, 
one of whom married Judge Ephraim Kamsay, and 
the other Charles Goodwin, two distinguished citizens 
of South-Carolina, and both, we believe, left families. 

From Colonel S. Hammond's note of the expedition 
to Long Cane, by order of General Greene, we also 
extract the following statement : " With these addi- 
tions to our force, it was resolved in council to make a 
bold and rapid push, through the western part of Ninety* 
Six District, into the Long Cane settlement, west of the 
British stationed at the town, Cambridge or Ninety- 
Six. Our wish, also, was to draw out the well affected 
of that part of the country, who had been paroled by 
the enemy, on the surrender of General Williamson ; 
believing that the British had violated their faith undei- 
this capitulation, they having compelled the whigs to 
bear arms against their late companions in arms, instead 
of leaving them at home, until exchanged as prisoners 
of war ; and that this would be a favorable oj)portu- 
nity for them to join us. 

At A. C* Jones' plantation, the council of officers 
detached Major McCalL with his command, to see Colo- 
nel Pickens and invite him to co-operate with us, as the 
British, by their breach of faith, had freed him from 
the obligation of his parole. Major McCall was selected 
for "this pm'pose, not only for his laiown prudence and 
fitness, ])ut for his personal friendship with Colonel 
Pickens. 

Major S. Hammond, with his command, was ordered 
down to Whitehall, the residence of General William- 
son, for the same purposes and views. Caj)tain Moses 
Liddle was united with him in this mission. Both de- 
tachments were ordered to bring the gentlemen sent 
for to the camp, whether willing or otherwise. They 
were both, of course, taken to camp. The object of 
the whigs was to gain their influence and their better 
experience to our cause. They both obeyed the call 



154 TEADITIONS AND EEMINISCEITCES OF 

promptly, but declared that they did not go volunta- 
rily, and considered themselves in honor bound by 
their parole, whether the British violated their faith 
to others or not, so long as it was not violated to them." 
They were subsequently ordered out by the British, 
when Pickens joined the Americans, and Williamson 
obeyed the British order. 



CIVIL ADMINISTRATION IN SOUTH-CAROLINA. 

From the time of superseding the royal government, 
in South-Carolina, by the Provincial Congress and their 
committees, the civil administration was conducted by 
them about two years, and very generally submitted 
to and supported by the inhabitants. When first es- 
tablished, it was universally believed to be but a tem- 
porary measure, and all hoped and believed that Great 
Britain would relax in her unconstitutional claims, re- 
storing harmony, trade, and constitutional government 
to all her Provinces. Early in 1774, secret committees 
were appointed, who acted with vigilance, energy and 
judgment. They called a Provincial Congress, and the 
Congress appointed deputies or delegates to the Na- 
tional Congress. They also continued the agency of 
the committees, by whom all the powers were exercised 
incidental to an administration of justice, and protec- 
tion of ourselves, our persons and property. A Pro- 
vincial Congress was accordingly elected by the peo- 
ple, and convened punctually on the appointed day. 
They promptly decided that all the inhabitants should 
sign an association, or have their names published. 
They determined to issue bills of credit, raise troops, 
and commission suitable officers. They armed a flotilla 
of small vessels, took Fort Johnson, and fired on the 
two British sloops of war, so as to drive them out of 
the harl)or. They determined that a written constitu- 
tion was I'equisite for self-government, and that they 
having just ])een elected by the people, were compe- 
tent to frame and adopt the constitution, and organise 



THE AMEEICAN EEVOLUTIOK. 155 

it for future proceedings. They enlarged tlie powers 
of tlie general committee, authorising " tliem to do all 
sucli matters and things relative to the strengthening, 
securing and defending the public interests, as should 
by them be judged expedient and necessary." 

William Henry Drayton, when Chief Justice of the 
State, in his address to the grand jury, declared : " We 
were the first in America who publicly pronounced 
Lord North's conciliatory measures inadmissible. We 
first raised regular forces on the continent, and for a 
term of three years ; we first declared the cause of 
taking up arms ; we originated the councils of safety ; 
we were among the first who led the way to indepen- 
dence, by establishing a constitution of government ; 
we were the first who made a law authorising the cap- 
ture of British vessels, without distinction ; we alone 
have defeated a British fieet ; we alone have victorious- 
ly pierced through and reduced a powerful nation of 
Indians, who, urged by Britain, had attacked the 
United States." 

This was addressed to the juiy, but was intended for 
all his fellow-citizens. He reminded them of the ad- 
vantages possessed, and the necessity of maintaining 
them by energy and decision. If they now faltered or 
became indifterent, these advantages would be lost, and 
the infamy and evil consequences resulting from that 
loss, would fall on them with tenfold force. Happy 
would it have been for the State, had its citizens pro- 
fited by such admonitions. When too late to retrieve 
the consequences of apathy, error and selfish notions 
of their interest, they sufiered the siege of Charleston 
to go on six weeks without counteraction, and the 
State to be overrun l>y British troops in six weeks 
more. Wliile the consiitution was under re-considera- 
tion by the Provincial Congress, there was " a looker- 
on in Venice." Mr. George Bryan has favored me 
with a letter to his grandfather, the Hon. George 
Bryan, Vice-President of Pennsylvania, and subse- 
quently dictator of that State. It was written by a 
well educated gentleman of Philadelphia, well ac- 



156 TEABITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

quainted with public men and measures. I give tlie 
following extracts : 

" Chaeleston, S. C, MarchlUh, IT'ZS. 

Dear Sir : — I was greatly surprised when I arrived here, to find, 
notwithstanding we were told so confidently by the opposers of our 
constitution, that the people of South-Carolina had reformed their con- 
stitution, and were extremely happy under it, that they had not yet 
established their constitution, and had several reasons to fear that it 
would not pass. It lately passed the council with great difficulty, as 
they made a bold effort to continue the choice of their legislative coun- 
cil in the Assembly, because then Charleston would have governed the 
State. However, they were obliged to give that up. They then tried 
two other ways — one by reducing their Legislature to one-half of their 
present number ; the other to havie-the members of their Senate chosen 
any where in the State. In either of these cases, Charleston must 
have ruled the State ; and they failed here too. The consequence was, 
that after the council, who were thought to be in the interest of the 
Kutledge family, failed, the constitution was then presented to the Pre- 
sident, R. Lowndes, for his confirmation. But, at the very time that 
every body expected to have a constitution in a few hours, he called 
the council and Assembly into the council chamber, and, in a formal 
speech, gave the constitution the negative. This produced great con- 
sternation for a day or two, but the Assembly resolved to choose an- 
other ; made an adjournment for three days, which they were obliged 
to do, before they could bring in any rejected bill, chose another presi- 
dent, and passed the constitution, and it is expected to have the new 
president's sanction in a day or two. Several propositions were made 
by the party opposed to the constitution, to have it set aside, but those 
for it prevailed, having determined to pass no tax bill, nor do any other 
business of consequence, until the constitution was established. 

The church — I mean the church clergy — seem, by their sermons, 
very much displeased that their establishment is likely to be abolished. 
One of them told me that a State could not subsist without an estab- 
lished church ; that an establishment was the support of the State, and 
the state of an establishment being inseparable. I told him that we 
had in America two happy instances to the contrary, viz : one where 
all religions were established, and one where none were established ; 
and that these two were the most populous and flourishing on the con- 
tinent, lie made no reply. There is, however, great nervousness on 
the religious head in the South-Carolina constitution. I long to hear 

how you all go on in Pennsylvania, 

* * * *^* * * 

Your merits, in supporting the constitution and vigorous measures, 

are such as Pennsylvania can never sufliciently reward. 

******* 

This harbor is well fortified, and their bridge from Sullivan's Island 
is an amazing work ; nothing like it on the continent. It is called 
Gadsden's Bridge, from General Gadsden, who has the direction of it. 
If this place be attacked, it will be at a place called Beaufort, about 



THE AMEEICAIST EEVOLUTION. 15 Y 

sixty miles south of it. Goods and every necessary of life are out of 
all measure dear. 

The State has voted £5,000 or $15,000, to import necessaries for the 
inhabitants, at the public risk. Two and sometimes three frigates 
cruise constantly in sight of the bar. They take a great number of 
prizes, and are very mischievous. Biddle, with six other vessels, from 
twenty to fourteen guns, have been out a month, but we have heard 
nothing from them yet. Present my best respects to the president, 
secretary and members of the council. I am, your sincere friend, &c. 

JAMES CANNON. 

P. S. The president's name is Rawlins Lowndes, who was pro- 
claimed on the 11th inst., under the discharge of small arms. The 
president negativing the constitution, has opened their eyes to the dan- 
ger of such a power ; and I have heard some of their sensible legisla- 
tors declare that three or even two branches, viz : an upper and lower 
house, are only a servile imitation of Great Britain ; that no good 
argument, unless precedent can be pleaded as one, can be adduced in 
its behalf." 

To this vivid representation of opinions, parties and 
prepossessions, not described by any other writer that 
I know of, it must be observed that the report in Penn- 
sylvania of the South-Carolinians having a constitution 
was not incorrect. A temporary constitution had been 
adopted in March, lYYO, and under it John Rutledge 
was elected president, with a right to veto acts of the 
Legislature. Under this constitution, Kawlins Lowndes 
was elected on the Yth of March, 1778, successor of 
John Rutledge. In the spring of 1778, the constitu- 
tion was revised and amended, when President Lowndes 
vetoed the revised constitution. The Assembly, which 
had voted itself a convention, adjourned for three 
days, with becoming respect to the existing constitu- 
tion, and to their talented president. They then re- 
considered the rejected bill, with all the objections 
made to it by the president, and among other altera- 
tions, abolished the office of president, for which they 
substituted that of governor, but without the poiver to 
veto. Mr, Lowndes, therefore, resigned, and Mr. Rut- 
ledge was elected the first governor. The veto has 
been withheld ever since. If there had been no con- 
stitution when this gentleman wrote, how came Mr. 
Lowndes to be president, and how came he with the 
power to veto ? 



158 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 



CHAPTER V. 



General Ricliard Richardson — Colonel Richard Richardson — Camp 
Anecdotes — Daniel Macgirth — Colonel Andrew DeVeaux — Colonel 
Robert Barnwell. 

The numerous distinguislied descendants of General 
Ricliard Richardson, have many interesting traditions, 
legends and incidents of his life and family, of his 
revolutionary services, and the consequent distresses of 
his family, while the British troops had overrun the 
State. 

General Richardson was a native of Virginia, of 
highly respectable parentage and large family connec- 
tions. He received the best education which the times 
and circumstances of the country afforded, and, in com- 
mon with many of the most distinguished men in Vir- 
ginia, he became a land surveyor, as was Washington 
about the same time. The preparatory mathematical 
studies, the self-confidence acquired by practice in men- 
suration, calculation, and the exact sciences, gave him 
great respectability, even among his associates in a 
profession then considered one of the most honorable 
and useful in the colonies. The hardihood acquired, 
both in mind and body, by his frequent exposure in a 
wilderness, to all the dangers and contingencies of a 
residence on the borders of savage warfxre, was the 
finest possible preparation for the revolutionary war- 
fare in which he soon bore a conspicuous post, and 
acted a distinguished part'- His habits and predilec- 
tions for the life of a surveyor, probably induced him 
to visit South-Carolina as a new field for his profes- 
sional and speculative ardor. To this quarter, also, 
the enterprise and energy of Virginia were, at that 
time, chiefiy directed, as pioneers in emigration. His 
judgment in lands and experience in their selection, 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. 159 

wisely and happily guided liim in tlie clioice and loca- 
tion of some tracts, so large in extent and so valuable 
in quality, as at once to elevate him to wealth. These 
lands, even in the long continued culture, and in the 
numerous sub-divisions among his descendants, are still 
possessed of exhaustless sources of fertility. In South- 
Carolina, his high character for prudence, firmness, 
benevolence, frankness and self-possession, united with 
a courteous, friendly, engaging deportment, and a fine 
commanding person, soon won for him the confi- 
dence of the interior, particularly of Craven county, 
in which he resided. He was selected generally by the 
inhabitants, the judge and arbiter of most of their 
feuds, bickerings and dissensions, and possessed an 
equity jurisdiction from the Sautee to the North-Caro- 
lina boundary of the State. His family residence fre- 
quently presented the appearance of the assizes, and 
few, if any, even of the disappointed parties, ever left 
his hospital)le board and cordial welcome with an incli- 
nation to dispute his decision, or appeal to law. Even 
at the close of half a century, the strong impression 
made on the minds of men by the force and rectitude 
of his charactei*, is still remembered by many of the 
oldest inhabitants of Lancaster and the adjoining dis- 
tricts, and kindly manifested towards his descendants. 
Richard Richardson commanded the militia of South- 
Carolina in several campaigns against the Indians, 
where his reputation as an ofiicer was first acquired. 
In the Cherokee wars of 1760 and 1761, he bore a 
colonel's commission. We believe him to have been 
present in the first of these expeditions, under Colonel 
Montgomery, and are sure that he was in the last, 
under Colonel Grant. The South-Carolina Gazette, of 
the 25th September, 1762, informs us that " a very 
handsome service of plate was lately presented by the 
inhabitants of St. Marks' Parish to Colonel Richard 
Richardson, as a mark of their gratitude and esteem ; 
and to show their sense of the many services he ren- 
dered this Province during the late unhappy Cherokee 



160 TEADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

war, and to that parish, in particular, on every occa- 
sion." To whicli of the many distinguished officers in 
that war, was so handsome a compliment paid ? 

One of the most important expeditions in South-Ca- 
rolina, during the revolution, was under the command 
of General Richardson, commenced for the relief of 
General Williamson, when besieged by the royalists at 
Ninety-Six Court House. General Richardson was 
hastening, at the head of one thousand men, to raise 
the siege, when he heard that Williamson had capitu- 
lated. This was so great a triumph to the tories, that 
Gen. Richardson felt the necessity for counteracting its 
influence. Without waiting for instructions from the 
executive committee, he determined to push forward and 
crush the tories. But he sent an express to the com- 
mittee or council, informing them of his intention. It 
was, of course, highly approved by them, — was admira- 
bly conducted by him, and proved eminently success- 
ful. — (See Drayton, vol. ii., page 126.) 

In the civil administration of the State, Gen. Rich- 
ardson was a delegate to the Provincial Congress, 
assisted in framing the first constitution, and under it 
was elected a member of the legislative council, Avhich 
corresponded with our senate in its powers and duties. 
He was also active in organising the new administra- 
tion, and the appointment of ofiicers, both civil and 
military, under that constitution. This was efiected 
on the 26th of March, 1776, and was the first consti- 
tutional government established in the revolution. It 
was revised and amended in 1778, and continued the 
supreme law of the State until 1789. 

In addition to the services recorded in Drayton's 
Memoirs, his influence, both as a citizen and an officer, 
was actively exerted in counteracting the tories of the 
interior, and in rallying assistance for the protection 
of Charleston, whenever assailed or even threatened. 
He was there, with his command, at the defeat of Sir 
Peter Parker's fleet, on the 28th June, 1776, and held 
a high and distinguished command, under General 



THE AMEBIC AN EE VOLUTION. 161 

Lincoln, in all tlie campaigns succeeding tlie loss of 
Savannah, including the pursuit of Provost from 
before Charleston, among the sea islands, back to 
Savannah. 

In the capitulation of Charleston, after a siege of six 
weeks, Gen. Richardson was made a prisoner, with a 
right to reside on parole, at his own home in Claren- 
don, Sumter District, until exchanged. The forced 
construction of allegiance, following the right of con- 
quest, was now assumed by the British commander, as 
soon as their arms had overspread the State. This 
roused the indignation of the whigs in the interior of 
the State, who were on this plea ordered to take up 
arms against their relatives and friends, who had not 
been made prisoners. General Richardson was among 
the foremost in expressing his indignation against the 
injustice and impolicy of the measure. This was 
discovered by Lord Cornwallis, who fearing the influ- 
ence of General Richardson against the royal cause, 
proposed to him, in the presence of his family, either 
to unite himself to the royal standard, with a cm'te 
hlmiche as to oilices, titles, and other gifts of the 
crown ; or that he must submit to the alternative of 
close confinement. These tempting offers, and intimi- 
dating threats, were equally disregarded; General 
Richardson promptly answered, with great decision, 
in such dignified terms as to elicit an involuntary 
expression of respect and admiration from his lord- 
ship. His reply is authentically reported to have 
been exactly in the following words ; his manner can- 
not be described : "• I have, from the best convictions 
of my mind, embarked in a cause, which I think 
righteous and just; I have, knowingly and willingly, 
staked my life, family and property, all upon the 
issue ; I am well j^repared to suffer or triumph with it, 
and would rather die a thousand deaths than betray 
my country or deceive my friends." 

The alternative threatened was promptly and rig- 
idly enforced; his health declined under the joint 
influence of a sickly climate and a loathsome prison 
11 



162 TEADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

house ; the infirmities of old age (then in his seventy- 
sixth year) increased rapidly upon him, and death 
was so evidently approaching, that he was again sent 
home, in September, to linger out the last remaining 
hours of his life at his family residence. 

His remains had been interred but a short time 
before Tarleton occupied the establishment. He or- 
dered the body of General Richardson to be taken up, 
and left it exposed, until, by the entreaties of his 
family, they were permitted to re-inter it, Tarleton's 
pretext for this inhumanity was, that he might exam- 
ine the features of a man of his decided character; 
but it was, in fact, from a mean suspicion that the 
family plate was buried there for concealment. All 
the property of the estate, which could not be con- 
veniently taken for his majesty's service, or the grati- 
fication of his ofi^icers, was wantonly and sedulously 
destroyed. Provisions and houses were all burnt ; 
stock of all descriptions slaughtered or driven away; 
negroes captured or decoyed, until little or nothing 
remaining but the dwelling house, Tarleton, in person^ 
directed the torch to be applied to it, with the 
avowed intention of making it the funeral pile of the 
widowed mother and " her three young rebels." The 
humanity of one of his officers interposed to rescue 
this family from the flames, and in saving a few 
articles of clothing and furniture.^" Among the spoils, 
seized by the British, was General Richardson's milita- 
ry saddle ; this being seen by his son, James Burchell, 
(subsequently Governor Richardson,) he jumped upon 
it, and insisted that they should not take his father's 
saddle. The men were amused at what they called 
the impudence of the little rebel, then but seven years 
old, and took credit to themselves for giving it up 
to him. 

During the sojourn of Tarleton and his corps in this 
neighborhood, to counteract the influence and opera- 

*Most of these facts were communicated by the Hon. John P. 
liichardson, grandson of the general, in a letter, dated Clarendon, 29th 
September, 1845. 



THE AJMERICAN EE VOLUTION, 163 

tions of General Marion, the family of General Rich- 
ardson were reduced to subsist by the voluntary and 
secret contributions of a few faithful and affectionate 
servants, who collecting some trifles in the day^ would 
leave their hiding places, at night, to supply their 
mistress and family with food. Greater instances of 
kindness, disinterestedness, fidelity and devotion, were, 
probably, never exemplified in any of the relations of 
life. 



COLONEL RICHARD RICHARDSON. 

This gentleman, who was spoken of as commanding 
the advance of Marion's men, in the battle of Vedeau's 
Bridge, had been stationed westward of that bridge, 
to prevent predatory expeditions of the enemy, from 
Charleston into St. Thomas' Parish. He discovered 
a large detachment of the British advancing up Wan- 
do river, and landing where Louisville now is, on its 
northern bank. Not being strong enough to attack 
them, he sent ofi* a messenger for Marion, and hovered 
about the enemy, to prevent their plundering the 
neighbors. In this he succeeded perfectly ; they car- 
ried off no cattle or other provisions, and were 
followed, after the battle, until they re-embarked. 
Colonel E-ichardson was the oldest son of General R. 
Richardson, of Sumter District. He was a captain of 
the militia, under his father, at the commencement of 
the revolution ; they being men of great influence, the 
executive committee wished to keep them in that 
salutary influence, and did not, at first, commission 
this son in the newly raised troops. As a captain of 
militia, in 1775, he attended his father in the Snow 
campaign, which he commanded, for the purpose of 
crushing the tories, who had, under the command of 
Cunningham, Fletchal and Robinson, attacked and 
beaten General Williamson. In 1776, he was com- 
missioned a captain in the second regiment, under 
Colonel Sumter; his brother Edward was previously 
commissioned a captain of the Rangers, under Colonel 



164 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

William Thomson. They were all constantly engag- 
ed in all the active duties of those troops, until made 
prisoners of war, at the capitulation of Charleston. 
But the right of living at home with his family, was 
then violated as to Richard Richardson, who had now 
become a major, and he was confined at some station, 
on John's Island, where he took the small pox, and 
was very near losing his life from it. 

Indignant at the breach of the stipulation, in the 
surrender of Charleston, that all under arms should, 
on parole, remain at their homes, until exchanged as 
prisoners of war, he considered himself absolved from 
his parole, by their violation of his rights. Major 
Richardson determined to make his escape as soon as 
possible. Soon after his recovery he effected his 
object, by means of a lady, who had obtained permis- 
sion to remove the corpse of her father from the 
island. As he was still seamed and marked with the 
small pox, he availed himself of that as a screen and 
disguise. He wrapped his blanket round his head 
and shoulders, to conceal him from those who might 
recognize him, and travelled, on foot, until he reached 
his hiding place in Santee swam]3, near his own plan- 
tation. In his way, upwards, he came unexpectedly 
on a party of British troops ; to stop or turn aside, 
would excite their suspicion and ensure his recapture. 
He, therefore, went forward with a tottering, slow 
pace, as if still sick and weak, and going up to them, 
asked for aid to a poor creature with small pox ; they 
gave him some trifle, and he accepted it with thanks, 
and passed on his intended route. 

He called his retreat, in the swamp, John's Island, 
to distinguish it from another retreat of the same 
kind, called Beech Island, because of the beech trees 
then and still on it, some of which are still marked 
with the names of those who had resorted there for 
concealment. He soon found means to inform his 
wife of his safety, and by means of a faithful servant, 
obtained clothing and food from home; sometimes 
also to see his family, although at great risk. Taiieton 



^HE AMERICAN IIEVOLTJTION. 165 

and his command had taken possession of his house 
and out-houses, as a convenient station, affording 
excellent quarters and an abundance of provisions and 
forage, for men and horses, about eight hundred 
troopers in number. 

Wliile thus secluded, Major Richardson was not 
idle ; he sent round to all his former fellow soldiers, 
in whom he could confide, assembled them on Beech 
Island, and drilled them, frequently, as mounted mili- 
tia, hoping soon to appear again in arms against their 
foes, the British troops. At this time, Major Richard- 
son's family was permitted to live in only one room of 
their roomy habitation, and to feed themselves if they 
oouldj there was nothing on their own, that they 
could call their own ; and even there, Mrs. Richardson 
Was freg[uently jeered and reproached, and inade 
unhappy by the taunts and threats of her unfeeling 
oppressors. 

While Major Richardson was thus occupied, Tarle- 
ton had been on some expedition, lower down the river, 
and on his way back, stopped at the plantation of his 
father, the late General Richardson. After having 
feasted all his command, he ordered the destruction of 
all the buildings and other property, on the place, 
reluctantly permitting the widow and orphans to save 
their clothing and a very few necessaries. At this 
time, Major Richardson heard of General Marion's 
advancing to encounter Tarleton, and prepared to join 
him. To do this, he passed through his father's plan* 
tation at the time of the fire, and by its light formed a 
correct estimate of the enemy's numbers. He found 
Marion encamped where the elegant establishment of 
the HoUv John Peter Richardson may now be seen ; 
and reported all that he had seen. At the same time, 

Marion was informed that — , one of his best 

guides, had deserted from his camp. Marion had 
been misinformed as to Tarleton's forces, and now saw 
that he had not a moment to sj)are, for effecting a 
retreat. He immediately commenced his retreat, 
guided by Richardson, over the wood yard, an inland 



166 TEADITIONS AND EEMIIHSCENCES OF 

swamp, pursued by Tarleton, conducted by tlie deser- 
ter , one of the most skilful in the district* 

This man contmued with the British to the end of the 
war, a ruthless, mischievous tory, and then came back, 
to his own house, under the lesislative act of amnesty, 
lived many yeai*s in peace, and left a respectable 
family* On one occasion. Major Richardson was 
traced from Marion's camp to his own house, by this 
tory, and his party occupied Richardson's avenue 
before he was aware of his danger. Then mounting 
his horse, he spurred him through the midst of them ; 
none but this tory fired lest they should kill their 
own men ; all wished to take Richardson alive, for the 
promised reward. When he got through the body of 
tories, he stopped and threatened this insidious foe 
with vengeance, if ever he caught him. And he did, 
once, catch him at his own home ; his men surrounded 
the deserter's house ; he sneaked to the upper part of 
it, for concealment. Maples and some of the best 
riflemen had filled at him, repeatedly ; his clothes were 
said to have been riddled, when his wife, whom all 
respected, came out to Major Richardson, and on her 
knees, implored that he would pardon and save her 
husband ; Richardson called off his men, and pardoned 
his treacherous enemy. 

On another occasion, Richardson, urged by his 
domestic affections, applied for leave of absence. Gen- 
eral Marion reminded him, of his former narrow 

*As soon as the British discovered that'Richardson was in Marion's 
camp, they became very polite to Mrs. Richardson, and requested her 
to say what they could do for her, if she would use her influence with 
her husband to come home, take protection and live in peace with his 
family. They oftered him equal rank in their army, nay promotion, if 
he would accept it, or retirement if he wished to quit the camp. She 
evaded these proposals as civilly as possible, but they pressed the 
subject and offered to send any messenger that she would name for 
this purpose. They finally proposed that Captain Edward Richardson, 
his own brother, a prisoner on parole, on the adjoining plantation, 
should proceed to Marion's camp, with such projiosals to his brother, 
Edward Jiichardson went directly to General Marion, told him of the 
message that had been sent to his brother ; then broke his parole and 
remained with Marion to the end of the war. 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTIOK. * 167 

escape, and insisted tliat lie should take an escort. 
This was, accordingly, done, and his party had scarce- 
ly reached the house, when a large party of the 
enemy was seen galloping up to it. Richardson and his 
escort immediately remounted their jaded horses, and 
pushed down into the swamp, which was a little way 
ofl"^ back of the house. The enemy pursued rapidly, 
and captured a young man, named Roberts, who was 
one of the neighbors under Colonel Richardson. They 
immediately hanged him on a walnut tree, within a 
few paces of the door, and when Mrs. Richardson 
interceded and remonstrated at the act, they rudely 
and unfeelingly told her, that "she should soon see 
her husband kick like that fellow." 

The horse, which Major Richardson rode on all 
occasions, was the only remnant of his once well 
stocked plantation. He Was named Corn Crib, from 
the circumstance of his having been secreted in the 
swamp, in a log house, built for storing corn, and 
called a corn crib. This favorite animal was killed, 
under his master, at the battle of Eutaw, when, as 
Colonel Richardson, he commanded the right of Mar- 
ion's brigade, on the right of General Greene's first 
division — the post of honor and of danger. To the 
surprise of both armies, these apparently undisciplined 
militia, urged by the voice and example of their 
officers, withstood the hottest and most galling fire of 
the enemy, and not only bravely commenced, but 
gallantly sustained the brunt of the action, to its suc- 
cessful termination. During this, the hardest and best 
fought battle in the South, Colonel Richardson was 
seen encouraging and leading his troops, with cool 
and distinguished valor. While issuing orders to his 
command, his horse. Corn Crib, was killed under him, 
and he wounded in the leg by the same ball which 
killed his horse. Colonel Lawrence Manning, then of 
Lee's legion, was present, and often spoke of the 
exemplary manner in which Colonel Richardson extri- 
cated himself from the dying animal, mounted another 
horse, and resumed his duties in the battle. 



168 * TRADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

Previous to this l^attle, Colonel Richardson, having 
been sent by Marion with a detachment to annoy the 
enemy and beat np his quarters, in any way that he 
may think proper, went to his own plantation, and 
stationed his men so as to cut off any patrols and 
supplies for Tarleton's troops, that may be passing 
either way. There were always some young, inexpe- 
rienced recruits, among such parties. One of the 
sections so placed, could see the red coats moving 
about the enclosure, and a young man, named Coulliet, 
became so excited, that he wanted to fire at them 
from his covert, half a mile off. He was prevented at 
the time — the object of the expedition explained to 
him, and the order given for no one to fire until 
ordered. But Coulliet vvas wound up to the striking 
point ; he sneaked up a little nearer to the British and 
fired at them so as to give the alarm, but do no harm 
to the enemy. They kept a certain portion of their 
cavalry always bitted and ready for action; the dra- 
goons were immediately in the saddle pursuing Rich- 
ardson's mounted militia. The whole object was 
frustrated by the excessive zeal of this young man ; 
and some of the men being mounted on plough horses 
and old field tackys, narrowly escaped with their 
lives. Colonel Richardson at last ordered a halt, and 
while engaged in forming the line, another young 
man came up, whipping and spurring, and calling out 
quarter! quarter! quarter! although none of the 
enemy was in sight, and not a gun or pistol had been 
fired at them for half an hour. On being asked why 
he continued to run and holloa, he asked, in turn, how 
he could stop when the bullets were flying about him 
as thick as hail. 



CAMP ANECDOTES. 



Colonel Richardson was commended for his visri- 
Jance in discovering the movements of tlie enemy up 
Wando river into St. Thomas Parish, in providing 



THE AMEEICAN EEVOLtfTlOK. 169 

promptly for their repulse, and in bravely aiding to 
repel their inroad ; but it is admitted, that in the hot 
pursuit, if he had halted about twenty of his mounted 
militia at or near the bridge, they could have repulsed 
Coffin's cavalry, and prevented his pursuit up to Ma- 
rion's advance. 

Among the sufferers in this fight and flight were two 
gentleman, afterwards well known in Charleston, as 
Jiving monuments of British inhumanity. These were 
John Clements, the carpenter, who established Clem- 
ent's ferry over Cooper river, and Joseph Dickinson, 
captain of the city guard, about the year 1806. They 
were both remarkable for the numerous wounds re- 
ceived on this occasion, and yet to have recovered from 
such wounds. They were probably among the new 
recruits in Marion's or Maham's cavalry, which had 
been sent forward to support the men previously under 
the command of Richardson, and unaccustomed to the 
casualties of warfare. 

Mr. Thomas Bennett, speaking of this action, told us 
of his brother-in-law, Joseph Warnock, who, on that 
occasion, in the retreat, being on a small horse, was 
jostled by those better mounted, and pushed off from 
the side' of the main road into a deep ditch. Here he 
thought it most prudent to remain and conceal himself 
until after the battle. On rejoining his friends, the 
poor man appeared to be wounded, but not dangerous- 
ly ; it was only by the briars, into which he had thrust 
his head to hide it. 

Some days before the battle of Eutaw, a detachment, 
under Captain John Singleton, was reconnoitering in 
the neighborhood of Nelson's ferry. They were dis- 
covered by the British, entrenched on the other side of 
the river, and fired upon by them. When the balls 
began to cut among the trees, the party retired through 
the swamp. Being in want of food, they killed a 
sheep with a bell on its neck, which Avery, one of the 
men, took to put on his horse, when turned out to pas- 
ture. While retreating through the swamp, the bell, 



170 TEADITIONS AND EEMmiSCENCES OF 

whicli had been stuffed, worked loose, and began to 
ring, giving notice where tlie party might be found. 
Avery was ordered to stop it, but said he had not 
time, as he heard the enemy pursuing very near him. 
Maples then told Avery to ride oft' in a different course, 
or he would do so himself; and ever after that Avery 
was called the bell-wether. 

Fort Watson, it will be remembered, was a British 
fort, built on the top of an Indian mound, at least forty 
feet above the surrounding country, near the mai'gin 
of Scott's lake, on the upper part of tSantee river. 
When this fort was taken by the united forces of 
Marion and Lee, Lieutenant Manning, of Lee's legion, 
was one of the officers ordered to take charge of the 
prisoners. The Americans were very destitute of 
clothing, food, and other necessaries. When the inha- 
bitants of the fort marched out. Manning observed 
one of them uncommonly stout for his height, and yet 
thin in his face ; his name was Rosher. Manning went 
up to him, and asked, " what have you here, my good 
fellow ? is all this from good living V " No," said 
liosher, "we often suffered very much for want of 
food, and but for our surrender should soon have suf- 
fered cruelly." " Well, then, my good fellow, unbut- 
ton, and show us what makes you so corpulent ; unbur- 
den yourself." So the soldier commenced to take off 
coat after coat, waistcoat after waistcoat, and shirt 
after shirt, until he had removed a dozen or more ; 
Manning, all the while, encouraging him. " Come pull 
away, my good fellow ; be quick, if you please ; you are 
a God-send to my half-clad comrades ; be in a hurry, if 
you please ;" until he came down to his old buft' friend, 
of which Manning did not wish to fleece him. " Noav, 
my good fellow, be pleased to try it lower down." So 
Kosher continued to take off breeches after breeches, 
stockings after stockings, <fec., until he had nearly got 
all oft*. Lieutenant Manning then told him to choose 
a suit of the best, and be thankful to the Americans 
who had kindly saved him from starving in that bit of 



THE a:meeica]s- revolution. 171 

a fort. Rosher resided, several years after tlie peace, 
in the neighborhood of Fort Watson, and often told 
this story himself, among his other adventures. 

When the British were erecting fortifications at Cam- 
den, they took by force the slaves of the whigs, all 
around, and made them labor on these works, encour- 
aging them not to return to their owners, but join the 
British forces. With little or no exception, the negroes 
returned to their owners, disgusted with the severity 
of the British discipline to both white and black. So, 
Admiral Cochran, in 1814, issued invitations to the 
southern slaves to enter his majesty's service, or go as 
free settlers to the West Indies, but few or none went, 
except by compulsion. 

For the above anecdotes, I am indebted to the late 
Colonel Lawrence Manning, of Sumter District, grand- 
son of General Richardson. 

In Marion's brigade, there were at least three named 
John James : first, the major, father of Judge James ; 
second,' Captain John James, of the Lake ; and John 
James, a subaltern. This last and least of the name, 
said, that in December, 1775, when not sixteen years 
of age, he volunteered under General Richardson, in 
his expedition against the tories, commanded by Colo- 
nel Fletchal. This campaign, on account of the severity 
of the winter, was distinguished as the Snow Camp, and 
John James, being a neighbor of the general, was ad- 
vised by him to go home, because of his youth. He 
did so ; but hearing that Fletchal had been captured, 
and was coming, guarded by a detachment, he went u]) 
to meet them, and assisted in keeping guard over him, 
about where the village of Stateburg has been since 
built. After this, he served in the militia, under Gene- 
ral Richardson, in all their arduous and vexatious duties 
from Camden to Suubury in Georgia. When Marion's 
brigade was organized, he joined it, and was of course 
partaker in all the privations, trials and triumphs of that 
patriot band. Being well acquainted with the country, 
he was generally out on patrols — receiving and giving 
information- — cutting off and collecting supplies — at- 



172 THADlTIOIfS AND HEMtNISCENCfiS O^ 

tacking small detachments, and giving due notice of those 
which were strong. His instructions were of the most 
confidential nature ; among which were messages from 
the general to Miss Videau, whom he afterwards mar- 
ried. In one of these scouts, he came unexpectedly 
out into a road, among a British detachment. The 
vanguard had just passed the place at which he had 
entered the road, the main body was within gunshot, 
and two officers, one of whom was a surgeon, were just 
at the spot where he broke cover. He was alone— his 
escort some distance behind, and scattered, but he 
waved his sword, and called out to his men, " here 
they are, advance, charge." Then, going up to the 
two officers, he claimed them as his prisoners. Both 
parties of the British had halted, expecting an attack, 
but they could not fire, lest they should kill the two 
officers, and this aftbrded James time to escape unhurt 
with his prisoners. After the peace, he married a 
daughter of Colonel R. Richardson, and has grand 
children surviving him. Notwithstanding the warm 
feelings of John James, he was kindly attentive to his 
relative, the wife of Daniel Macgirth, and, for her sake, 
received and protected her husband, when sick, and 
when threatened by his vindictive neighbors and former 
friends. 

Daniel Macgirth was a respectable young man, a 
native of Kershaw District, nearly related to the Can- 
teys of that neighborhood. He had married a very 
amiable lady, of Sumter District, aunt of the late 
much resj^ected Matthew James, Esq. Macgirth, from 
his early attachments and associates, joined with his 
father and relatives cordially, in opposition to the 
claims of the British government. Being a practised 
hunter and excellent rider, he was well acquainted 
with the woods and roads and paths in that extensive 
range of country, extending from Santee river to the 
Catawba nation, on the east of Wateree river. He 
was highly valuable to the Americans for the facility 
with which he acquired information of the enemy, 



THE AilERICAN EEYOLUTION. 173 

and for the accnracy and minnteness with which he 
communicated what he had obtained. He had brouo^ht 
with him into the ser^-ice a favorite mare, his own pro- 
perty, an elegant animal, on which he felt safe from 
pursuit, when engaged in the dangerous, but impor- 
tant, duties of a scout ; he called her the Grey Goose, 
This fine mare was coveted by one of the American 
officers, at Satilla, in Georgia, who tried various means 
to obtain possession of her, all of which were opposed 
by Macgirth, chiefly on the ground that she was essen- 
tially necessary to the American interest, in the duties 
performed by him ; and without her, he could no longer 
engage in them. The officer continuing urgent, Mac- 
girth said or did something to get rid of him, which 
he might have only intended as a personal rebuff, but 
probably was much more. He was arrested, tried by 
a court martial, found guilty of violating the rules and 
articles of war, and sentenced to the public whipping 
post, for a breach of subordination, which could not be 
overlooked in an army. He suffered the whipping 
and exposure, and was again committed to prison, wait- 
ing to receive another whipping, according to his sen- 
tence. While thus situated, he saw his favorite mare, 
observed where she was picketed, and immediately 
began to concert measures for his escape, and the re- 
possession of his mare. He succeeded in both, and, 
when seated on her back, he turned deliberately round, 
notwithstanding the alarm at his escape, and denounced 
vencreance as^ainst all the Americans, for his ill-treat- 
ment. He executed his threats most fully, most fear- 
fullv, most vindictivelv. Induls'inc' this savacfe, vindic- 
tive temper, was indeed productive of great injury to 
the American cause, and of much public and private 
suffering, but it was also the cause of his own ruin and 
misery. When the State was again recovered by the 
American army, he still kept in the woods, retreated 
into Georgia, and thence into Florida. When Florida 
was re-conveyed to the Spaniards, by the treaty of 
peace, he became subject to their laws or suspicions, 
was arrested, and confined by them five years in one 



174 TRADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

of their damp dungeons in the castle of St. Augustine, 
where his health was totally destroyed. When dis- 
charged from St. Augustine, he, with much difficulty, 
returned to his wife in Sumter District. She had ever 
received the kindest attentions from her relatives and 
friends, notwithstanding the misdeeds of her husband. 
Protection and a home was offered to Macgirth by 
Colonel John James, the father of Matthew James, 
and there he died in misery, but not in want. His 
unfortunate, but faultless, widow, is, I believe, still 
living in that neighborhood, still cherished by her 
friends and relatives. 

Macgirth's father was a captain in the South-Caro- 
lina militia at the time of his son's defection, but con- 
tinued firmly and devotedly attached to the interests 
of the country. 



COLONEL ANDREW DEVEAUX. 

This gentleman was of a Huguenot family, which 
settled in Beaufort District, after the repeal of the 
Edict of Nantz, and was nearly related to the Barn- 
wells and others, the most respectable families in the 
Province. He was remarkable, from childhood, for 
mischief, bravery and adventure. John Dupont, one 
of his schoolfellows, would tell of his battles with him- 
self and other larger boys, in which little DeVeaux, 
though knocked down and covered with blood and 
dust, would wipe his eyes and nose, and at it again as 
long as he could stand. Captain William Joyner told 
a story of him, that on one occasion he was going in a 
boat with Mr. Stephen DeVeaux, who was at the 
helm, while Andrew sat in the bow of the boat. They 
went on very well, until they came to a point in the 
river, called " negro head," when tlie progress of the 
boat suddenly ceased. The negro oarsmen were en- 
com'aged to row up, pull away, row smartly, cfec, all to 
no pur2)ose ; the boat did not move. Their cheerful 
song now ceased. Some said that the boat was be- 



THE AMEEICAN EEVOLUTION. 175 

witclied, and otliers apprehended some greater evil. 
Mr. DeVeaux, less superstitious than the rest, observed 
that Andrew sat all this while very quietly in the bow, 
a deportment so unusual with him, that it alone ex- 
cited suspicion. " I will bet," said Mr. DeVeaux, " that 
this mischievous chap, Andrew, has been playing some 
trick." So it turned out ; Andrew, for want of some- 
thing to do, had been handling the grapnel at the 
bow, dropped it quietly overboard, and brought the 
boat literally to anchor. This unexpected state of the 
case being exposed, turned a good humored laugh 
against those who had expressed most apprehension 
that the devil was coming at last to lay hold of some 
of them. 

In the commencement of the revolution, Andrew 
DeVeaux, being about sixteen or seventeen years old, 
showed a good disposition, in common with his brave 
and patriotic relatives in that district, to join the cause 
of his country, and oppose the unjust impositions of 
England. His father, Andrew DeVeaux, however, 
thought otherwise. He fell out with those relatives, 
and may have received some harsh words, or other treat- 
ment, as a tory. Andrew DeVeaux, Junr., took sides 
immediately with his father, and resented the offence 
given him. He united with a number of inconsiderate, 
frolicsome young men, and embarrassed the proceed- 
ings of the whigs, whenever an opportunity occurred. 
Many of these associates cared only for the excitement 
resulting from the vexation produced by their opposi- 
tion to the whigs, and DeVeaux saw it ; he wanted 
more. When Provost made his inroad in 1779, De- 
Veaux assembled his associates, led them across Port 
Royal ferry, and determined to commit them by some 
glaring act of hostility, from the notoriety of which 
they could never expect concealment. 

Sheldon Church was an elegant place of public wor- 
ship, the resort and pride of the wealthy Episcopalians 
in that part of the district. It was a bond of union 
and of good fellowship among the neighbors. Here 
they met, kneeled together at the same altar, suspend- 



1*76 TEADITIONS AWD EEMINISCENCES OF 

ing all feelings of political animosity and personal 
enmity. It had been built only a few years before 
that period, chiefly by Governor William Bull and his 
family. His brother, General Stephen Bull, appeared 
to have the especial care of it, and was in the habit of 
taking home with him, after divine service, every Sab- 
bath day, the rector and neighbors to dine with him ; 
thus uniting the bonds of religion with social harmony, 
without the distinctions of party. In the fine land- 
scape from his house, this church was the chief object 
of their admiration, in which all partook with equal 
warmth. Stephen Bull was a rebel, and at that time 
out with his command, opposing by arms the king's 
troops, under Provost. 

DeVeaux led his men there only to vex the rebels, 
as he told them ; but when there, he induced them to 
ravage the plantation, and burn Sheldon Church. 
There was no retracting from their allegiance after 
such an act. His adherents or company were now 
ready enough to follow him in any measures that would 
annoy the Americans, or promote the wishes of their 
enemies. Provost found them invaluable to him as 
guides, spi^s and scouts, especially in his retreat to 
Savannah by the inland water courses, with all of 
which they were well acquainted. 

In one of DeVeaux's hair-brained adventures, he 
was taken prisoner, and sent, under escort of Mr. 
Robert Barnwell, to the prison in Charleston. When 
they were about to land, DeVeaux spoke familiarly 
to Mr. Barnwell, calling him cousin Robert, and re- 
quested that he might not be exposed as a criminal in 
the streets, and led off to the common jail, but be put 
on his parole as an officer, a gentleman, and his rela- 
tive. He pledged his honor that he would be subject 
to the call or order of Mr. Barnwell, at any time that 
he should appoint, or send for him ; and Mr. Barnwell, 
wishing to do as he would be done by, acceded to the 
proposal, and appointed the next morning, at nine 
o'clock, for DeVeaux to call on him. 

DeVeaux was not half an hour in Charleston. By 



THE AMEBIC AN EEVOLUTION. 177 

some means, lie obtained a little money and a pair of 
pistols ; hurried down to tlie wharf, found there a coun- 
try boat, with two negroes in it ; showed them his sil- 
ver, and promised liberal pay, if they would row him to 
where he would direct them ; then showed them his 
pistols, and threatened instant death if they did not 
go. These arguments were both very persuasive. The 
negroes rowed him out to a British armed vessel, either 
in the roads or offing, and returned to their master to 
tell of their fright and danger, but said nothing about 
the money that they had pocketed. 

Mr. Barnwell, hearing the next day how DeVeaux 
had escaped, called on Governor Rutledge to inform 
him of the circumstances, and then asked what he was 
to do. The governor, feeling disappointed, told Mr. 
Barnwell to go after DeVeaux, or go home. DeVeaux 
was soon landed and again in the saddle ; one of his 
first objects was to retaliate. Soon after this, he went 
to Beaufort, again to cousin his cousin Robert. Mr. 
Barnwell was at home, and DeVeaux actually made 
his w^ay into the parlor, without discovery or alarm. 
He then demanded an immediate surrender as a pri- 
soner on parole. Mr. Barnw^ell rose at the demand, to 
see what chance he had for resistance. He was very 
near-sighted, but saw, as he supposed, a blunderbuss 
presented at him, while surrounded by his family ; and 
being urged with a threat of present death, if he 
moved a step, he surrendered and gave his parole. It 
turned out that this threat was neither enforced by a 
blunderbuss, gun or pistol, but by Mr. Barnwell's own 
spyglass, picked up in his own entry. Mr. Barnwell 
was so exasperated by these tricks, that he vowed, if 
ever he met DeVeaux, either one or both of them must 
die. But they never met. When DeVeaux came to 
South-Carolina long after the revolution, Mr. Barn- 
well's feelings had been soothed by time, by his tri- 
umph as a patriot over the enemies of her indepen- 
dence, by piety and peace. Still he was but a man, 
and might be excited by words, deeds and recollec- 

12 



178 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

tions, to do wliat he would wish to avoid ; he, there- 
fore, concluded to avoid DeVeaux. 

When Charleston was besieged by the British, under 
Sir Henry Clinton, DeVeaux was of the utmost value 
to them. He was subsequently patronised by Lord 
Cornwallis, raised two companies of Provincial dra- 
goons, and was promoted to the rank of major. When 
great exertions were made to mount Tarleton's dra- 
goons, from the time of their landing in Edisto, until 
after the siege, DeVeaux was very active and success- 
ful in enabling them to procure horses. Among other 
instances of his success, it is said that a rich old rela- 
tive, Mr. Nathaniel Barnwell, had a number of valuable 
horses ; DeVeaux knew it, but did not know where they 
were kept. He went to Mr. Barnwell, lamenting the 
unsettled state of the country and the difficulty of pre- 
serving their cattle and horses. He then suggested that 
the adjacent small islands, well covered with woods, 
might be advantageously used for their concealment, 
and drew out from the old gentleman the desired in- 
formation of the place in which they were concealed. 
In a few days after this interview, Mr. Barnwell's fine 
horses were conveyed into the British camp. 

When Colonel Harden captured Fort Balfour, near 
Pocataligo, Tarleton Brown, late of Barnwell District, 
was an officer under his command. Mr. Brown in- 
forms us that the commanding officer of that fort, 
with one or two next to him in rank, were, at the time 
of the Americans' advance, visiting their sick and 
wounded, at a house outside of the fort ; that these 
officers having been captured by the Americans, De- 
Veaux was the highest in command in the garrison, 
and surrendered the fort without firing a gun. This 
is the more probable, as Colonel Lechmere, DeVeaux's 
brother-in-law, late in command of the fort, Avas then 
a prisoner. Colonel Fenwick was also captured out- 
side of the fort. 

When the British forces were, by the advance of 
General Greene's army, confined to the precincts of 



THE AMEEICAN REVOLUTION. 179 

Charleston, and in great want of provisions, DeVeaux 
was still as active and as useful to the British^ still as 
bitter an enemy to the Americans. He now took the 
command of some small vessels, and foraged all along 
the inland water courses, extending his incursions to 
Osebaugh, in Georgia, for he was well acquainted 
with them all. In one of these expeditions, he at- 
tempted the plunder of Colonel Richard Proctor's 
plantation, which was exposed on one of the rivers 
near Beaufort DeVeaux came up to the landing in a 
schooner ; Colonel Proctor being absent, his family was 
unprotected and his negroes would probably have 
been carried off, with provisions of every kind. At 
that moment, John Dupont, the former schoolfellow 
of DeVeaux, rode up to the house in company with 
two other friends of the family. The gentlemen 
determined to resist, and, if possible, prevent the plun- 
dering of property. There was at the landing a pile 
of boards, high enough for a breastwork. The gentle- 
men reached this place just as the schooner was about 
to drop anchor, and when it was just dark enough in 
the evening to render objects indistinct; the three 
gentlemen pretending to be the advanced guard to a 
large force stationed at the house, hailed the schooner 
in a tone of confidence and authority, and being 
answered evasively, fired into her; then called out for 
the artillery to man their drag ropes, and pour in the 
grape shot; then ordered the infantry to keep up 
their fire and secure their prize. DeVeaux slipped 
his cable, made sail, and went off, almost beyond the 
expectations of those opposed to him. Colonel Proc- 
tor, on his return, recovered the anchor and cable, 
which the assailants had left behind them, and was 
very grateful for the protection afforded to his family 
and property. 

It must be admitted, to the credit of DeVeaux and 
his followers, that they were not sanguinary, but 
merciful to their prisoners. 

In 1782, we find DeVeaux in St. Augustine, with 
about seventy men of his own Provincial dragoons. 



180 TRADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

We, therefore, conclude tliat after foraging witli them 
on water for a while, he found his field for adventures, 
in South-Carolina and Georgia, much circumscribed, 
and kept a southerly course inland to St. John's river, 
and thence round to St. Augustine.* Here his active 
turn of mind first led him to propose an expedition 
into West Florida, for the capture of Pensacola, but 
this was discouraged. He next projected an expedi- 
tion against the Bahama Islands. It must be recol- 
lected that Commodore Gillon, commanding the frigate 
South-Carolina, with a squadron of American cruisers, 
in conjunction with another, of our Spanish allies, 
fitted out in Havana, had captured the Bahama Is- 
lands, and left them in possession of the Spanish 
authorities. To recover these for Great Britain was 
now the object of DeVeaux. The Governor of Flori- 
da, we are told, either had no means or no inclination, 
to aid him in the enterprise. At his own private 
expense Major DeVeaux fitted out six small vessels, 
put into them uniforms for three hundred British 
troops, with suitable provisions and military stores. 
He embarked with his seventy men, and about as 
many more were received as volunteers. His flotilla 
being still very short-handed, he engaged a small 
number of Seminole and Creek Indians, to aid him as 
sharp-shooters. To encourage these white and red 
men, he made liberal promises of booty, to be taken 
from the Dons. From the days of Anson and Drake, 
to those of William Pitt, it was always thought fair 
to plunder the Spaniards, and the followers of De- 
Veaux had keen appetites for the same sport. His 
flotilla was convoyed by the Perseverance, of twenty- 
six guns, Captain Dow, and the Witley Warrior, of 
sixteen guns. Captain Wheeler. They first landed at 
Abacco, and from among the English inhabitants soon 
raised one hundred and fifty more men, who being dress- 
ed in the uniforms brought from Florida, gave him three 
hundred men with the appearance of British regulars. 

*See Sketches of Florida, by James Grant Forbes, page 52. 



THE AlIEEICAIT EEVOLUTION-. 181 

About fifty fishing boats were also collected tbere, for 
the purpose of extending his line and deceiving the 
Spaniards. With these, he made a great display ; the 
Indians also raised a war whoop, while he advanced 
on land with them, and a few men bearing fascines 
and scaling ladders to conceal their want of numbers. 
The deception succeeded, and the Spaniards, in Fort 
Montaigne, spiked their guns and filed oft' towards 
Nassau, leaving a train to fire the magazine. De- 
Veaux heard this from a prisoner just captured ; he 
immediately halted his men, and advanced with the 
prisoner, alone, into the fort, guided by him, and ex- 
tinguished the match before it could explode the 
magazine. Three cheers announced his success, and 
was the signal for his flotilla to attack that of the 
Spaniards. These also were carried with but little 
resistance, when he sent to demand a surrender from 
the Spanish governor. The demand was refused, and 
some skirmishing ensued, in which the Indians were 
important auxiliaries. Don Antonio, the governor, 
finally capitulated, and surrendered his six hundred 
regulars, well entrenched and equipped, to DeVeaux 
with his three hundred men, mostly undisciplined, 
scattered and exposed. 

On this occasion a great deal of military genius, 
stratagy and personal bravery was displayed by Major 
DeVeaux, at that time but twenty-three years of age. 

With the news of this exploit, DeVeaux went to 
England, was complimented with a colonel's com- 
mission, and received full remuneration for all his 
advances. Here he exhibited some elegant feats of 
horsemanship, in the park; came out to America, 
married Miss Verplank, of New- York, a, very aimable, 
fine woman, and lived at an elegant country seat on 
the Hudson river. Here he had two daughters, one 
of whom married Colonel Hare Powell of Philadel- 
phia: the other married Mr. Verplank, a 

relative of her mother's family. 

Colonel DeVeaux continued fond of gaiety and 
display ; he drove his own carriage, with four elegant 



182 TEADITIONS AISTD BEMINISOEKCES OF 

horses, about the streets of New- York, with an ostrich 
feather in his hat, when such decorations and eques- 
trian feats were unkno ivn, even among the gay of that 
city. He, consequently, outlived his fortune, and be- 
came embarrassed before his death. 



COLONEL ROBERT BARNWELL. 

This gentleman, of whom mention was incidentally 
made in the sketch of Colonel DeVeaux, was a private, 
at the commencement of the revolution, in a militia 
company commanded by his brother, Captain John 
Barnwell. He served with them in all the arduous, 
harrassing duties of that period, and was stationed 
with them, during Provost's inroad, at the plantation 
of Captain John Raven Mathews, on John's Island ; 
the enemy were posted on the opposite side of Stono 
river. Captain Mathews, from seniority of commis- 
sion, commanded this Beaufort company with his own, 
and was training them to march and countermarch in 
sight of the British troops, who, no doubt, counted 
their numbers accurately, by means of their spy- 
glasses. 

Mr. Thomas Legare and his son James were under 
the particular command of Captain Mathews, and as a 
friend Mr. Legare remonstrated against this unne- 
cessary exposure, but his caution was disregarded. 
After the parade he again spoke to Captain Mathews, 
advising that the sentinels should be doubled, and 
other precautions taken against a night attack, but 
his advice was slighted. Mr. Legare then asked leave 
of absence, that he might join the guards, at Cham- 
plin's Point; and this was granted, with some jests at 
his fears. Accordingly only two sentinels were put 
on duty. Thomas Fenwick, who was after that well 
known as a royalist, came into the American camp, 
and supped with the officers. He soon obtained all 
the necessary information for himself and the British 
purposes. At midnight the British troops crossed to 



THE AJfERICAN EEVOLUTION. 183 

Jolin's Island in two divisions, one of wliicli went 
directly to Fenwick's house, about three miles above ; 
the other went directly to Mathew's landing. They 
waited for a signal from Fenwick's party, that the 
attack might be simultaneous. Fenwick, himself, con- 
ducted the land party against his friends and neigh- 
bors, with whom he had been supping. Some may 
suppose that Fenwick was influenced, on this occasion, 
by conscientious loyalty to the British government. 
I give great latitude to honest feelings of this kind, 
but his were not honest. From this time, until after 
the revolution, Fenwick was considered a devoted 
royalist, and as such his property was confiscated by 
the Legislature, convened at Jacksonborough, but it was 
afterwards given up to him, on the certificate of Gen- 
eral Greene, that Fenwick had acted as a spy for him, 
affording information of what the British were doing 
in Charleston, and that he had, therefore, promised 
protection to Fenwick's property. Thus was Fenwick 
proved to be doubly a traitor; a mean, insidious 
traitor. The evidence of this may still be seen. 

The first sentinel, whether from fright or treachery, 
ran off without firing the alarm gun, and saved his 
life ; the second sentinel was James Black, a ship car- 
penter of Beaufort. He fired his gun, but was imme- 
diately bayoneted, and died of his wounds. 

Mr. Black was a personal friend of my father, who 
informed us that Mr. Black was brought to Charles- 
ton a day or two after he had been wounded. That 
he called to see Mr. Black, and found him in good 
spirits. Among other wounds, the bayonet had been 
run into the fleshy part of his back, extending to the 
spine ; it had been dressed according to the usage of 
that day, with a tent to keep the wound open, and 
this tent was a piece of gentian root, which by its 
expansion was intended to dilate the wound. By the 
removal of Mr. Black to the city, this piece of gentian 
may have been overlooked ; it had caused much in- 
flammation, and my father called shortly after the 



184 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

temporary relief from its removal. Mr. Black spoke 
to Mm sociably and clieerfully, telling him that the 
doctor had just drawn out of his back a trunnel two 
or three inches long. The trunnel of workmen is 
spelt trenail, and is a wooden pin driven through 
the bottom of a vessel, to secure the planks to her 
timbers ; a nail made of a tree ; but the inflammation 
extended to the spinal marrow, and Mr. Black died in . 
Charleston. 

Captain Mathews' quarters w^ere immediately sur- 
rounded, and every man of his company made prison- 
ers. The boat party also surrounded the Beaufort 
company, and demanded their surrender. Captain 
Barnwell called out to know what quarter they should 
have ; " no quarter to rebels," was the reply. " Then 
men," said Captain Barnwell, "defend yourselves to 
the last ; charge ! " In an instant the click of every gun 
was heard, as it was cocked and presented in the faces 
of the enemy, who immediately fell back. Shortly 
after this, a sergeant of the British put his head into 
the door, saying " surrender and you shall have honor- 
able quarter." " By what authority do you promise 
quarter, if we accept it — what rank do you hold ?" 
then asked Captain Barnwell ; " I am but a sergeant in 
command," was the answer, " but my word is as good 
as any officer's in his majesty's service." On this 
assurance, Barnwell and his men surrendered their arms, 
and the British soldiers immediately commenced an 
attack on them with their bayonets, killing and wound- 
ing most of the Beaufort company. Robert Barnwell 

and Barns each received seventeen bayonet 

wounds. Benjamin Reynolds, of Wadmalaw, was one 
of the few who escaped from the British on this 
occasion. Mr. Barnwell was left apparently dead, but 
by the unremitting kindness and attention of Mrs. 
Robert Gibbes, who lived on the adjoining plantation, 
he finally recovered. The British burnt the houses 
and ravaged the plantation. It was afterwards pur- 
chased by Mr. Thomas Legare, from whom the above 



THE AMEBIC AN REVOLUTION. 185 

particulars are derived. It is now owned by Mr. 
Kinsey Burden, Mr. Legare's son-in-law. The ruins of 
the dwelling house may still be seen in his field. 

Robert Barnwell, with his two elder brothers, John 
and Edward, were, after the fall of Charleston, confined 
in a British prison ship. While there, the execution 
of Colonel Hayne took place, and General Greene's 
threat to retaliate was received by the British com- 
mandant. He sent notice to the Barnwells and other 
prisoners that they should be held liable to similar 
treatment, if General Greene enforced his threat. All 
the prisoners thus notified, immediately signed an ad- 
dress to General Greene — the three brothers being the 
first on the list — -requesting that he would not regard 
them in his future proceedings, as they were ready to 
die in the cause of their country. This address was 
enclosed to the British commandant, and forwarded 
by him to General Greene. 

Robert Barnwell was not only distinguished for his 
patriotism, but for his piety, strict honor and com- 
manding eloquence. His style of oratory was pecu- 
liarly impressive ; it was declamatory, uttered with a 
fine manly voice, graceful gesture and appropriate 
action. He was polite and gentlemanly to his political 
opponents, conceding to them in minor points, but in- 
flexibly insisting on his own federal principles and 
measures. He stated his premises in a tone of confi- 
dence and authority, not pausing for evidence adduced 
from this or that page of such and such authors. His 
assertion was always respected, for he was well known 
to be superior to all intentional errors. From these 
premises he drew his inferences, without peroration, 
figures of rhetoric or scholastic syllogisms. By his 
own honest convictions and confident assertions, he 
impressed his hearers with the most perfect conviction 
of his sincerity, even if they dififered in their opinions 
and objects. On one occasion, his opponent proving 
to be a man of talents, resource and eloquence. Colo- 
nel Barnwell complimented his forensic abilities, by 
observing that the gentleman was never disconcerted, 



186 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

but, like a war cat, in whatever direction or position lie 
might be cast, lie was sure to fall on his feet, ready for 
action, offensive or defensive. 

Mr. John Strobel remembers the impressive elo- 
quence of Colonel Barnwell, both in the federal con- 
vention and in the State Legislature, but remembers 
more particularly his singular courtesy, liberality and 
candor. On one occasion, in the Legislature, a mem- 
ber's seat was contested, on the ground of their being 
one vote more in the box than the number of voters. 
Although the member returned had a much greater 
number of votes than his opponent, Mr. Barnwell, 
being indignant at every thing like fraud, opposed his 
taking his seat. A young lawyer, much better known 
afterwards as Judge Wilds, opposed Colonel Barnwell's 
motion, showed that, as the fraudulent voter was un- 
known, the innocent would probably be punished for 
the guilty. If such returns were set aside, it would 
be in the power of every disappointed candidate to 
thwart the election of his more successful opponent, 
and almost every member's seat might be thus dis- 
puted, through the mischief or the malice of the oppo- 
sition. Mr. Barnwell rose next, to say that he was for- 
cibly impressed with the arguments and observations 
of the " young gentleman," and withdrew his motion. 

Colonel Barnwell was many years Speaker of our 
State Legislature, and a distinguished delegate to Con- 
gress from South-Carolina, at a time when much warmth 
was excited between the federalists and republicans in 
their debates. 

In his own district. Colonel Barnwell was the arbiter 
or umpire of most differences arising among his nume- 
rous relatives and friends, few of whom ever appealed 
from his award. 

On one occasion, a neighbor of respectability had 
done what Colonel Barnwell considered improper, and 
he took occasion to speak his opinion to him of this 
matter in very plain terms. The gentleman was dis- 
pleased, and told Colonel Barnwell that he should 
hear from him. " What," said the colonel, '' then you 



THE AlVrEEICAlSr EEVOLUTION. 187 

mean to clialleiige me, when you know tliat I am, from 
principle, opposed to duelling, and will not meet you 
for that purpose. You know that I consider duelling 
by no means a proof of courage, but frequently the 
result of cowardice — of fear to encounter the frowns 
or insinuations of a community misguided by custom, 
example and education. I know that you are not a 
coward, and you must not think that I am afraid of 
you. What I said, was to your face, sir, and I will not 
retract it, nor will I keep out of your way, sir. I am 
going to-morrow morning to my plantation, and will 
pass your avenue about (a time which he named.) If 
you think proper to attack me then, or now, or at any 
other time, you shall find me ready to defend myself" 
No more was heard of the challenge. 



188 TEADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 



CHAPTER VI. 



Remarks on the Declaration of Independence and battle of the 28th 
June, 1776 — Old Paper Currency and its Signers — Duel between 
General Gadsden and General Robert Howe — Charleston Artillery 
and Battle of Beaufort — Anecdotes of a young Volunteer — Provost's 
Invasion — Pulaski and Colonel Flagg — Threat to the Privy Coun- 
cil — Death of Major Benjamin Huger — Governor Rutledge and Wil- 
liam Joyner — General William Moultrie and Battle of Stono. 

The coincidence, in point of time, between tlie bat- 
tle of Fort Moultrie and the report made to Congress, 
by Mr. Jefferson and his committee, on the declaration 
of independence, is not unworthy of notice and com- 
ment. 

These very important occurrences both took place 
on the 28th of June, 1776, and were probably equally 
efficient, if not indispensably necessary, and providen- 
tially ordered to be simultaneous, in support of each 
other. Had the Southern States been cut off from the 
Union, by the united invasion of Sir Peter Parker and 
Sir Henry Clinton, in this early stage of the revolu- 
lution, it is difficult to say how far the Middle and 
Northern States could have sustained this declaration 
of independence, under their great local difficulties, 
when further embarrassed and discouraged by the dis- 
memberment of one-fourth of their number, if not of 
their relative strength. In that case, Virginia would 
have become the southern frontier, and all her re- 
sources required at home to oppose the army of Lord 
Cornwallis, and the simultaneous British inroads by 
land and water. Virginia would have been totally 
unable to send her liberal supplies of men and arms to 
sustain General Washington, when sorely pressed in 
protecting the Middle States from the British forces. 
Without such support, General Washington might 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 189 

have been obliged to retire to tlie mountains, and Con- 
gress unable to send the army of General Gates first, 
and then that of General Greene to re-conquer the 
South. It is difficult, also, to say whether South-Caro- 
lina might not have become arrogant, listless and in- 
active after this victory, or distracted by the commo- 
tions of her domestic enemies, the royalists, but for 
this simultaneous declaration of independence. By 
this the Americans ceased to be colonists and rebels ; 
they became an independent nation, warring under all 
the rights of belligerents. . Their domestic enemies, the 
tories, in each State became the rebels, and subject to 
the State authorities respectively. American citizens 
were thenceforth protected in their personal and na- 
tional rights by the united councils and strong arms of 
the whole Union. 

The Declaration of Independence, as first published 
on the 4th of July, was sent on by express, and re- 
ceived on the last of July in Charleston. The impor- 
tance of this measure was duly appreciated by the 
civil authorities, and they determined that the an- 
nouncement should be as imposing and impressive as 
possible. The civil and military were all paraded, 
and the reverend gentlemen of the clergy of all deno- 
minations were invited, and did very generally unite 
to countenance and solemnize the ceremony. The Lib- 
erty Tree, in Mazyckborough, of which mention has 
been previously made, was the favorite resort for all 
meetings of the people, with revolutionary objects, 
during the preceding ten or twelve years. The popular 
feeling for this tree, associated with its name, induced the 
governor and council to select this as the place for the 
first declaration of independence. Thither the proces- 
sion moved from the city, on the 5th of August, em- 
bracing all the young and old, of both sexes, who could 
be moved so far. Aided by bands of music, and unit- 
ing all the military of the country and city, in and 
near Charleston, the ceremony was the most splendid 
and solemn that ever had been witnessed in South-Ca- 
rolina. It was opened by prayers, offered up to the 



190 TRADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

throne of the Most High, by the Kev. Mr. William 
Percy, of the Episcopal Church. The declaration was 
then read in the most impressive manner by Major 
Barnard Elliott, and closed with an elegant and appro- 
priate address by the same reverend gentleman, in- 
spiring the crowded audience with piety and patriot- 
ism. It was followed by a universal burst of popular 
applause, by loud huzzas and animating cheers. The 
infantry responded with a general feu dejoie, and the 
discharge of cannon echoed and re-echoed the general 
enthusiasm. 

It must be recollected that this display took place a 
few weeks after the victory of Sullivan's Island, when 
there was reason to suppose that the enemy were still 
on our coast, meditating another attack. The ardor, 
enthusiasm and unanimity evinced, was peculiarly gra- 
tifying to the patriotic conductors of the scene. 

There were always secret enemies and informers in 
our country, and this ceremony was described soon 
after in the British prints with as much ridicule as 
possible. Among other circumstances, the day was 
said to have been intensely hot, and the reverend gen- 
tleman, while addressing, the audience, was shaded by 
an umbrella, held over him by his servant, a negro 
man. As the crowd pressed forward, and the orator 
became warm with his ardor of patriotism, his counte- 
nance also glowed with the actual heat of the weather, 
the ardor of sunshine. The black servant was then 
observed to be fanning his master, while holding the 
umbrella over him, and the British narrator observed 
on the circumstance : 

Good Mr. Parson, it is not quite civil 

To be preaching rebellion, thus fanned by the devil. 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



191 







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192 



TEADITIONS AND KEMINISCENCES OF 



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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 193 



SIGNERS OF THE OLD PAPER MONEY. 

It may be asked, who are the signers of these old 
notes ? were they men of respectability, or only men 
of straw, against whom there could be no procedure or 
redress, in case of failure or a reverse of fortune ? We 
will endeavor to give some short account of several ; 
and it may be seen, that the most respectable inhabi- 
tants of the Province, in education, character and pro- 
perty, were alike willing, by theii* sigTiatures, to pledge 
all that was dear to them on the result of the revolu- 
tion. A few of their signatures are represented in the 
plates attached hereto. 

Roger Smith was a merchant, extensively engaged 
in business, living in handsome style, high credit, and 
undoubtedly wealthy at that time. He was a descend- 
ant of the old Landgrave Smith, and married to a 
daughter of Governor James Moore. Josiah Quincy 
speaks of the dinner party at which he enjoyed him- 
self at this gentleman's house. He was the father of a 
large family, of whom the talented Thomas Rhett 
Smith was one. His father, Thomas Smith, was a man 
of most estimable character, universally respected and 
beloved; a wealthy merchant. In the numerous branches 
of that name and family, he was called " Long Tom 
Smith," for distinction, being a tall man. The descend- 
ants of his youngest son, James, have all assumed the 
name of Rhett. 

Samuel Carne was brother of Patrick Carne, the 
gentleman who married the widow of Colonel Barnard 
Elliott, who had presented the pair of standards to the 
second regiment, in compliment for their victory on 
Sullivan's Island. These flags had each a splendid 
rattlesnake, with thirteen rattles, embroidered on them, 
with the words, " Don't tread on me." They were 
taken in the fall of Charleston, and sent to England 
among the trophies of victory, and may, as I am told, 
be still seen in the Tower of London. Carne, after 
the fall of Charleston, took protection of the British. 

13 



194 TRADITIONS AND EEMESTISCENCES OF 

Isaac Mazyck was tlie wealthy owner of Mazyckbo- 
rougli, and of tke lands on the nortk and on the west 
of that public square wkich comprises tke Medical 
College, Marine Hospital, Jail, cfec, witk niucli otker 
property. 

William Roper, a man of independent property, tlie 
fatker, we believe, of tke present Benjamin D. Roper. 
He tken owned tke Sontkern Wkarf. 

Peter Maniganlt was fatker of tke late Josepk Mani- 
gault. He was Speaker of tke House of Assembly ; a 
man of talents, of wealtk, tkougk not discreet in its 
management ; ke died young. 

Stepken Drayton was an accomplisked gentleman, a 
first cousin, we believe, of William Henry Drayton, so 
often spoken of in tke kistory of tke revolution. 

Tkomas Bourke was a brotker of Judge Edanus 
Burke, altkougk tkey spelled tkeir names differently. 
Tke one wko ckanged tke spelling kad probably no 
lands to lose by tke ckange. Tkomas Bourke after- 
wards removed to tke State of Georgia, and died, we 
believe, in Ckarleston, as ke was buried near tke west- 
ern gate of St. Mickael's Ckurck yard. 

Peter Bocquet was a descendant from one of tke 
Huguenot families, and at tke time married to Miss 

■ Maclocklin, a lady of considerable property. 

He was, after tke revolution, elected treasurer of tke 
State, served in tkat office many years, became a de- 
faulter, and died insolvent. He kas no family li\ang. 

Aaron Loocock was a rick planter on Cooper river, 
and, after tke revolution, went to live in Rkode Island, 
wkere ke died. His remains were brougkt back to 
Soutk-Carolina, and buried in tke family cemetery. 
He left no ckildren. 

Jokn E. Poyas was Dr. Jokn Ernest Poyas, wko 
married a daugkter of Henry Smitk, of St. James' 
Goose Creek, and left a large family, of wkick James 
Poyas, late of St. Thomas' Parisk, is one of tke sur- 
vivors. 

Peter Bacot was likewise a descendant of tke Hu- 
guenots ; a branck of wkick family kaving remained in 



THE AMEBIC AN EEVOLUTIOlSr. 195 

France, lias a Baron Bacot at its head. Peter Bacot 
was a perfect " man of business," and Mglily respected. 
He was grandfather of tlie late lamented Peter Bacot — 
the only cashier of the Charleston Branch Bank, United 
States — their signatures were exactly alike. 

John Edwards was a merchant, among the highest 
in respectability, credit and character, at that time in 
America. He was in Charleston during the siege, and 
became a prisoner of war ; but, in violation of the terms 
on which the town capitulated, he was taken from his 
home, i^ut on board of a prison ship, and then exiled 
to St. Augustine. Having been exchanged, he arrived 
in Philadelphia, and there died of apoplexy on the 
19th August, 1781. 

John Neufville was also a merchant of great respec- 
tability, chiefly engaged in the exportation of our pro- 
duce. After the adoption of our federal constitution, 
and the funding of the public debt. General Washing- 
ton appointed him the first Commissioner of the Loan 
Office, and he did great justice to the office. The pre- 
sent Mrs. Frederick Khone is his daughter, and, when 
he became infii'm, slie acted as his clerk or secretary, in 
transacting the biLsiness. 

Thomas Corbett was father of the late Thomas Cor- 
bett, and was also a merchant of great respectability 
and popularity. The firm was Mansell, Corbett <fe Co., 
but, at the breaking out of the revolution, they failed. 
Mansell was believed to have secreted the funds for his 
own use, leaving Mr. Corbett, and Mr. William Rob- 
erts, the partner in London, very much injured. In 
1775, Mr. Corbett and Mr. Neufville were associated 
with William Henry Drayton, as members of a com- 
mittee, who, on the arrival of the packet Swallow, 
from England, seized and opened the government de- 
spatches, and thereby discovered the orders from the 
British ministry, for commencing actual hostilities 
against the colonists. Intercepting these despatches 
prevented or retarded the execution of the orders, 
and enabled the Southerners to arm themselves for the 
crisis. After the revolution, Mr. Corbett resumed his 



196 TEADITIONS AND REMINISCEISrCES OF 

mercantile pursuits, under the firai of I'homas Corbett 
& Son, but, as lie bad been long out of business, and 
every thing had changed, the finn wound up their 
business honorably, but not profitably. 

Gideon Dupont was probably a merchant, at that 
time, in Charleston, but afterwards a planter in Prince 
William's Parish, Beaufort District, universaEy re- 
spected and beloved. He was the most methodical 
and minute man, in his dealings, that I ever met with. 

John Berwick was a man of great respectability 
and genius, originally a mechanic, carrying on an ex- 
tensive and profitable business in partnership with his 
brother Simon. He married a Miss Ash, and left one 
child, a daughter, Ann Berwick, who married Thomas 
Legare, of John's Island, and left a large family. Mr. 
Berwick was a member of the Legislature, and warm- 
ly attached to the principles of the revolution. He 
was, therefore, exiled to St. Augustine, and detained 
there eleven months, very unjustly. 

Simon Berwick, his brother, was also a signer of 
these notes; he was an enterprising mechanic, and 
established Berwick's Iron AYorks, on the river Paco- 
let a httle above the battle gi'ound of Cedar Springs. 
Little is now known of his life, but his death oc- 
curred after the revolution, by assassination, on the 
Congaree road, when travelling up to Avhere Colum- 
bia now stands. 

Benjamin Waring was a planter in the neighbor- 
hood of St. George's, Dorchester. Wlien Columbia 
was established as the seat of government, he was one 
of the first settlers, and one of the most valuable 
citizens of that place. He established a paper mill, a 
tan yard and a vineyard there ; he was the first who 
ever used circular saws for other purposes beside gin- 
ning cotton. With them he reduced the refuse cotton 
to a pulp for making paper, and reduced the oak baric 
to sawdust, instead of grinding it for tanning. The 
Legislature elected him Secretary of State. 

Thomas Waring was the first cousin and brother- 
in-law of Benjamin. He was also a planter in the 



THE AMEKICAN EEVOLUTION. 197 

same neighborhood, and very fond of country sports, 
particularly of deer hunting. He always travelled 
with his double-barrelled gun resting on his arm, and 
one of the barrels was always loaded with buckshot. 
He was many years Naval Officer in the Custom 
House of Charleston. Both he and Benjamin Waring 
left families. 

Thomas Middleton was a wealthy rice planter, of 
one of the oldest and most distinguished families in 
South-Carolina. One of his ancestors, Arthur Middle- 
ton, was president of the council and commander-in- 
chief of the Province. He headed the revolution in 
1719, by which the government of the proprietors 
was put down, and the Province placed under the 
immediate control of the crown. He married Sarah 
Amory, an heiress, daughter of Jonathan Amory, the 
first Provincial treasm*er. Her parents both died in 
1699, and left her under the guardianship of Colonel 
"William Rhett and his lady, Sarah Rhett. Mrs. 
Middleton became the mother of a large family, the 
oldest of whom became Sir William Middleton, by 
inheriting the title and estate of that family, in Eng- 
land, and her descendants still enjoy them. This 
lady died in September, 1765, at her plantation in 
Goose Creek, the same now owned by Mrs. Middleton 
Smith, in the eighty-second year of her age, having 
been more than sixty years without leaving the Prov- 
ince. It is highly desirable that the wealthy inhabi- 
tants of the South would follow her example, and 
cease to be locomotives. At her death she was 
believed to be possessed of property worth .£50,000 
sterling, all her children having been previously well 
settled. Other descendants of this family have at 
different times borne the highest offices in South-Car- 
olina. Thomas Middleton's father was a member 
of the Continental Congress of 1765, and of 1774 and 
1775. His brother, Arthur, was the member in 1776, 
who signed the declaration of independence. 

Anthony Simons was one of a very respectable 
Huguenot family, engaged in the factorage business 



198 TRADITIOlSrS AND RTSMINISCENCES OF 

with General A. Vanderliorst, and sold a large por- 
tion of tlie rice crop of this State. Dr. Benjamin 
Bonnean Simons, of high celebrity in his profession, 
was the son of this gentleman. 

George Abbott Hall was trained to business from 
his youth, and continued, to his death, one of the most 
accurate and indefatigable officers of the government. 
During the revolution he was Collector of Charleston, 
and when the State was overrun by British troops, he 
was sent oiF to St. Augustine with many more. While 
there, he heard of his wife's death, and obtained leave 
to return for the purpose of removing his large family 
of young children. Before he arrived, they had been 
ordered off to Philadelphia, and arrived there in the 
cartel — — -, D. Newton, master. He never saw his 
children until after the re-capture of Charleston, when 
they returned to it. On his arrival from St. Augus- 
tine, he first heard of his being exchanged, and 
immediately joined the Southern army. Having re- 
ported himself to the State delegates, in Congress, he 
was appointed the agent of Robert Morris, financier 
of the United States, for negotiating the scanty sup- 
plies of money, when indispensably necessary to Gen- 
eral Greene's army. On one occasion, not being fnlij 
acquainted with the necessity of the case, he had 
resisted the supply, but was compelled by General 
Greene, in person, to make the required advance. 
The money was produced, and nothing more said 
about the difficulty. President Washington, among 
his first appointments, nominated Mr. Hall Collector 
of the port of Charleston, and he continued in office 
until his death. Mr. Hall left a large family of chil- 
dren, but he was too exemplary, in his public offices, to 
leave them any other inheritance than his good 
name. 

Jacol:) Motte — this gentlemen was rich and highly 
respected; he was the husband of Mrs. Kebecca 
Motte, the Spartan matron, who not only doomed to 
the flames her family mansion, Fort Motte, when 
occupied as a British garrison, but supplied the bow 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 199 

and arrows by whicli the flames were kindled on the 
roof over their heads. That bow and the remnant of 
those arrows, are, I am told, still to be seen in Peal's 
Museum, Philadelphia. 

John Boomer was a very respectable man, of con- 
siderable property ; a retail merchant in Elliott-street, 
then chiefly occupied by such merchants, with their 
families. 

William Parker was a planter in St. Thomas' Parish, 
and otherwise a man of independent fortune. As 
with other patriots, this was very much impaired by 
the " waste of war," during the revolution. 

William Gibbes was of an old, distinguished cava- 
lier family ; his ancestor, Robert Gibbes and Mary, 
his wife, were natives of Kent, in England, and re- 
moved with their family to Barbadoes, in 1648, about 
the time of the king's imprisonment, and when the 
Scottish army, under the Duke of Hamilton, invaded 
England. They had ten children, and soon removed 
from Barbadoes to South-Carolina, with six or seven 
of them; of these, Alice, their third child, married 
John Daniel, who became Governor of the Province. 
Robert, their fourth child, also became Governor of 
South-Carolina, and died here, in 1715, aged seventy- 
one years; William, the son of Robert, married Alice 
Culchith, and their third child, William, was the 
signer of these notes. William Gibbes married seve- 
ral times; his second wife was Elizabeth Hasell, 
daughter of the Rev. Thomas Hasell, of St. Thomas' 
Parish ; their son, William Hasell Gibbes, was born 
in 1754, and died in 1834, in the eightieth year of his 
age. This gentleman, for his distinguished patriotism, 
was sent off to St. Augustine, in the revolution, and 
was the last survivor of the number so exiled. On 
the return of peace, he was elected Master in Equity, 

and filled the ofiice with unblemished reputation 

years. He left numerous descendants of great respec- 
tability. The other children of Robert Gibbes the 
elder, had most of them large families, and their 



200 TEADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

descendants are among tlie most respectable and 
valuable inhabitants of the low country. 

Among the signers of the Georgia notes is William 
Stephens, son of Colonel William Stephens, the first 
President of Georgia, descended from a family of 
great distinction in England, (see Stevens' History, 
volume i, page 242.) He was a native of Savannah, 
and by his high character and acquirements became 
Chief Justice of that State. Mr. I. K. Tefft gives me 
the following brief sketch of him : " I remember Wil- 
liam Stephens well ; he was a remarkable man, and, 
like Windham, he could, at the same time, read on 
one subject and converse on another. While writing 
his decrees as Chief Justice, he was in frequent con- 
versation with his family and friends, without the 
least interruption to his pen." 

James Habersham was the son of Captain 

Habersham, one of the friends and co-operators with 
General Oglethorpe. He was brother of the highly 
distinguished Colonel Joseph Habersham, the first 
Post-Master General under Washington; and father 
of the late Richard W. Habersham. 

William Ewen was elected the first revolutionary 
President of Georgia; this honorable appointment 
took place forty-one years after he had been sent out 
to that Province by the proprietors, in England, " as 
a servant indented for two years to stay in their 
store." 

Edward Telfair was a native of Scotland, where he 
was born, in 1735, on the farm of Town Head, the 
ancestral estate of the family, and which has since 
been sold to the Earl of Selkirk. He received an 
English education at the gi*ammar school of Kerkud- 
bright. 

At the age of twenty-three, he came to America as 
an agent of a commercial house, and resided some 
time in Virginia. He afterwards removed to Halifax, 
North-Carolina, and subsequently to Georgia, and in 
1766 settled in Savannah. He was one of the princi- 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. 201 

pal promoters of tlie revolution in tliat colony, and 
one of the committee appointed in 1774, to draw np 
resolutions, to be adopted by the friends of liberty. 
He was an active member of the council of safety, and 
one of the small party of republicans, who, on the 
night of the 11th May, 1775, broke open the maga- 
zine, then under the protection of the Provincial 
governor, removed the powder, sent a large portion 
of it to Beaufort, South-Carolina, for the use of the 
patriots there, and concealed the rest in their cellars. 
Though a large reward was offered by Governor 
Wright for the persons who had seized it, and they 
were well known to some of the members of his privy 
council, yet they were not arrested, and the powder 
soon spoke for itself, to the dread of the British and 
tories. 

During the revolution he suffered great pecuniary 
losses by the occupation of the enemy. His family, 
at one time, sought refuge in Fredericktown, in Mary- 
land. 

In February, 1778, he was elected, by the House of 
Assembly of Georgia, one of the delegates to repre- 
sent the State in the Continental Congress, and took 
his seat in that body on the 13th July following, and 
on the 24th of that month signed the ratification of 
the articles of confederation. In November of that 
year, he obtained leave of absence ; resumed his seat 
on the 15th February, 1780, and continued a member 
until January, 1783, when his term of office expired. 
Early in this year, he was appointed by the Governor 
of Georgia one of the commissioners to conclude a 
treaty with the Cherokee chiefs, which was finally 
concluded on the 30th May, 1783, establishing the 
boundary line between the State of Georgia and the 
Cherokee nation. 

In May, 1785, he was re-elected a member of Con- 
gress, but did not take his seat. He was Governor of 
Georgia from 9th January, 1786, to 9th January, 
1787, and again from the 9th November, 1790, to 7th 
November, 1793. 



202 TEADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCE3 OF 

During General Washington's visit to Georgia, in 
May, IT 91, lie was brilliantly entertained by Gover- 
nor Telfair, at his family residence near Augusta, 
called the Grove, and on the departure of the general 
he addressed to him the following letter, which is 
still preserved in the archives at Milledgeville. 

"Augusta, 20th Mat, 1791. 

To His Excellency Edward Telfair, Governor of Georgia : 

Sir: — Obeyiug the impulse of a heartfelt gratitude, I express, with 
particular pleasure, my sense of obligations, which your excellency's 

foodness and the kind regard of your citizens have conferred upon me. 
shall always retain a most pleasing remembrance of the polite and 
hospitable attentions which I have received in my tour through the 
State of Georgia, and during my stay at the residence of your 
government. 

The manner in which you are pleased to recognize my public 
services, and to regard my private felicity, excites my sensibility, and 
claims my grateful acknowledgments. Your excellency will do justice 
to the sentiments, which influence my wishes, by believing that they 
are sincerely offered for your personal happiness, and the prosperity of 
the State over which you preside. 

GEORGE WASHINGTON." 

McCall, in his history of Georgia, makes honorable 
mention of Governor Telfair. He says that at the 
period when " the sources of public revenues had been 
exhausted in supporting the expenses of the war, and 
while negotiations were pending between the United 
States and the continental powers of Europe, Mr. 
Telfair suggested to Mr. Walton, his colleague in Con- 
gress, the idea of sending ministers generally to those 
powers, and of drawing bills upon them, at six months 
sight, depending upon loans for their payment. Mr. 
Walton, at first view, considered the plan chimerical, 
but admitted of its being worthy of consideration. 
When the subject was introduced before the House, 
by Mr. Telfair, he displayed a solidity of financial 
talents, in an unexplored field, which eventually favor- 
ed the national credit. Bills were drawn upon foreign 
nations to a considerable amount, on the faith of the 
public credit, while Congress were employed in mak- 
ing ministerial appointments to the courts on which 



THE AIVIERICAN EEVOLUTIOK. 203 

these bills were drawn. They were accordingly ac- 
cepted and paid, and for a time relieved the public 
embarrassments, and gave new life and vigor to the 
prosecution of the war." 

Thomas Telfair, one of his sons, was a member of 
Congress, from 1813 to 1817. He took a conspicuous 
part in the debates of that Congress, upon protection 
of domestic industry and the tariff for that object. 
He warmly opposed Mr. Calhoun and the protection- 
ists of that day ; he was one of the Georgia delegation 
who voted for increased pay to members of Congress, 
and the people of Georgia elected an entirely new 
delegation to express their disapprobation of that 
measure. Mr. Telfair's letter to his constituents, on 
that occasion, contains sentiments highly honorable to 
his manly independence of character. 

Governor Telfair died at Savannah, on the 19th 
September, 1807, in the seventy-second year of his 
age, and was interred with military honors. 

Dr. Noble Wimberly Jones, one of the patriarchs of 
Georgia, a companion of General Oglethorpe, and, 
throughout the revolution, a decided, unwavering pa- 
triot. As such, he was exiled by the British to St. 
Augustine. After the revolution, he was President of 
the Georgia Medical Society. — (See a sketch of his life 
in the Encyclopedia Americana, vol. xiii., page 479.) 



WARFARE IN GEORGIA. 

It was certainly good policy, as well as justice, in 
South-Carolina, to keep her own State, as long as pos- 
sible, clear of the enemy, by advancing to meet him in 
the adjoining State of Georgia. That being the seat 
of war. Provost's invasion of Georgia was defeated, 
and the country rescued from depredation by the Ca- 
rolina troops, under General Robert Howe, until De- 
cember, 1778. But, in this expedition, the Carolinians 
suffered more than if they had been engaged in active 
warfare. They were badly fed and provided, and 



204 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

stationed, during the most sickly season of the year, in 
the most sickly part of Georgia. Consequences en- 
sued, which might have been expected — the regulars 
of South-Carolina were reduced to half of their num- 
bers, by deaths and diseases, by discharges and deser- 
tions ; the remainder of those who so bravely fought 
at Sullivan's Island, now only numbered six hundred 
men, and were finally driven out of Georgia, by Colo- 
nel Campbell's two thousand regular troops. Whether 
this was owing to General Howe's inefficiency, his fault, 
or his misfortune, we do not pretend to know. He 
certainly was censured for the unfortunate result ; and 
among other publications, was a letter of General Gads- 
den's, disapproving of his conduct. Howe sent a mes- 
sage to Gadsden ; but he would neither retract nor 
apologize ; what he there said, was still his opinion. A 
duel ensued, in which Howe's ball grazed the ear of 
Gadsden, but the latter fired his pistol in a different 
direction from his opponent. In a newspaper of the 
day, a very minute statement of all the circumstances 
was published, and this being received in New- York — 
the head-quarters of the royal army^ — it was issued in 
a new dress or poetical parody, written by the cele- 
brated Major Andre, as follows : 

Charleston, S. C, September \st. 

We are favored with the following authentic account of the affair of 
honor, which happened on the 13th August, 1778. Eleven o'clock was 
the hour appointed for Generals H. and G. to meet ; accordingly, 
about ten minutes before eleven — but hold, it is too good a story to be 
told in simple prose. 

It was on Mr. Percy's land,* 

At Squire Rugeley's corner,f 
Great H. and G. met, sword in hand, 

Upon a point of honor. — YanJcey Doodle. 

G. went before, with Colonel E.,J 
Together in a carriage, 

* Percy's land, north of Cannonsboro', extending to the lines, 
f Squire Rugeley — the Colonel Rugeley, near Camden — now Major 
Bulow's Corner. 

\ Colonel Bernard Elliott. 



THE AMEEICAN REVOLUTION. 

On horseback, followed H. and P.,*" 
As if to steal a marriage. 

On chosen ground they now alight, 

For battle duly harnessed, 
A shady place and out of sight, 

It showed they were in earnest. 

They met, and in the usual way, 

With hat in hand saluted. 
Which was, no doubt, to show how they, 

Like gentlemen, disputed. 

And then they both together made, 

This honest declaration, — 
That they came there by honor led, 

And not by inclination. 

That is, they fought, 'twas not because 

Of rancor, spite or passion. 
But only to obey the laws 

Of custom and the fashion. 

The pistols, then, before their eyes, 
Were fairly primed and loaded ; 

H. wished, and so did G. likewise. 
The custom was exploded. 

But, as they now had gone so far, 

In such a bloody business, 
For action straight they both prepared. 

With mutual forgiveness. 

But, lest their courage should exceed 
The bounds of moderation. 

Between the seconds 'twas agreed, 
To fix them each a station. 

The distance stepped by Colonel P., 
'Twas only eight short paces ; 

Now, gentlemen, said Colonel E., 
Be sure to keep your places. 

Quoth H. to G., sir, please to fire, 
Quoth G., no, pray begin, sir ; 

And, truly, we must need admire 
The temper they were in, sir, 

* General C. C. Pinckney. 



205 



206 TEADITIONS AND EEMINISCElSrCES OF 

We'll fire both at once, said H., 

And so they both presented ; 
No answer was returned by G., 

But silence, sir, consented. 

They paused awhile, these gallant foes, 

By turns, politely grinning, 
'Till, after many cons and pros, 

H. made a brisk beginning. 

H. missed his mark, but not his aim, 

The shot was well directed. 
It saved them both from hurt and shame. 

What more could be expected. 

Then, G., to show he meant no harm. 

But hated jars and jangles, 
His pistol fired across his arm, 

From H,, almost at angles. 

H. now was called upon by G., 

To fire another shot, sir. 
He smiled, and after that, quoth he. 

No, truly, I cannot, sir. 

Such honor did they both display, 

They highly were commended, 
And thus, in short, this gallant fray, 

Without mischance was ended. 

No fresh dispute, we may suppose, 

Will e'er by them be started ; 
And now the chiefs, no longer foes. 

Shook hands, and so they parted. — Yankey Doodle. 



ANCIENT BATTALION OF ARTILLERY. 

A single company of artillerists was organziecl in 
tlie year 1756, and called the Charleston Artillery. 
The subscribers to this company were first called to- 
gether on the 1st March, in that year. Other calls 
were advertised in August, September and October, 
still saying that they were for the formation of the 
company. From these, it might be inferred that they 
were slow in completing their number. Another cause 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTIOISr. 207 

for the delay, may be supposed from a paragraph or 
two, expressing a hope that the company would select 
officers who were well acquainted with the duties and 
exercises of artillerists. It is, therefore, evident that 
the members could not agree in their election of offi- 
cers ; the most popular candidates, probably, were not 
the best qualified for teaching the artillery exercises. 
We have not been able to state at what date they 
finally organized themselves and elected their officers, 
but believe that, as in the present day, the most popu- 
lar were selected, and that, in this case at least, the 
election was a very happy one. Christopher Gadsden 
was elected captain ; Thomas Grimball, Junr., lieute- 
nant captain ; Thomas Heyward, Junr., first lieutenant ; 
Edward Rutledge, second lieutenant. They then ob- 
tained the services of a sergeant in the British artil- 
lery, and made him their orderly. The other subal- 
terns were chosen for their intelligence and zeal, in 
acquiring a knowledge of their duties, with a. due de- 
gree of firmness and courtesy in executing those duties ; 
among them was Benjamin Wilkins. 

Under these arrangements, they appear to have 
l^een very well satisfied, and to have acquired a com- 
petent knowlege of artillery exercise. In October, 

1759, on the departure of Grovernor Lyttelton, with 
the Provincial troops, against the Cherokee Indians, 
the artillery offered their services, for his escort up to 
the Congaree ; that is, to the neighborhood of Colum- 
bia. This handsome compliment was gratefully de- 
clined, on the ground that their services were more 
wanted in Charleston, in the performance of guard 
duty, during the absence of all other protection. On 
the 5th January, 1760, the governor returned with 
the troops, and, although he had not acquired either 
honor or popularity by this expedition, the Charleston 
artillery company offered to escort him back at their 
own expense. 

About this time they probably lost the instruction 
of their orderly sergeant, for, on the 26th January, 

1760, the company was called together, for the pur- 



208 TEADITIONS AND REIUNLSCENCES OF 

pose of being instructed by Lieutenant Mayne, who 
had been sent, at their request, by General Amherst, 
from New- York, for this purpose. On the 19th of 
April, following, they had become so ex]oert in their 
exercises that a parade was ordered, for the purpose of 
having them exercised and reviewed before the gov- 
ernor, who was graciously pleased to commend their 
skill and proficiency in the evolutions required. 

The exercises and duties of this company were duly 
performed, until the commencement of hostilities in 
the revolution. That their discipline was regular and 
strict, is evinced by a variety of circumstances, one of 
which is on record. In a tour of guard duty, a night 
or two after the arrival of the last Provincial governor. 
Lord William Campbell, the field-piece was paraded 
on the side pavement, in front of the guard-house, and 
the sentinel received orders to exclude persons from 
passing between it and the guard-house. After an 
hour or two, several gentlemen came on that side of 
the street, and tried to pass back of the cannon on the 
pavement, rather than be obliged to step off from it 
into the muddy street. The sentinel presented his 
fusee, and told them that they could not pass there. 
The party thus opposed, was the governor and his 
suite. The governor said nothing, but his secretary 
stepped up, and asked the sentinel if he did not know 
that it was his excellency who wished to pass. The 
artillerist calmly but firmly replied, he did not know 
any body but his commanding officer. The secretary 
then asked his name, and was promptly answered, 
" Harvey, at your service, sir." 

It was Thomas Harvey who, for his good conduct on 
this and other occasions, was appointed commissary for 
the continental troops in South-Carolina. As an evi- 
dence of this good man's patriotism, the only survivor 
of his children, Mrs. Bradley, shows a silver medal of 
William Pitt, marked T. H., 17GG, apparently with a 
knife ; a proof that the same feelings of gratitude 
and admiration, which induced the Assembly to erect 
a marble statue to the elder William Pitt, led Mr. 



THE AJIERICAN REVOLUTION. 209 

Harvey to purchase and keep this medal — the only 
one I ever saw of the kind. Thomas Harvey died on 
the 10th July, 1786, in the fifty-fifth year of his age. 

The Charleston Artillery being called out in detach- 
ments, whenever confidential duties were to be per- 
formed, as in breaking open the magazines and arsenal, 
to seize the arms and ammunition, is an evidence of the 
high estimation in which the members were held by 
the public and by the leaders in the revolution. 

In March, 1775, the Provincial Congress resolved to 
enlist two regiments, and published a recommendation 
that all the inhabitants should be trained to arms. 
Captain C. Gadsden, of this artillery company, was 
elected colonel of the first regiment. The highest 
military appointment in South-Carolina was given to 
him, the captain of this company ; and thus the great- 
est compliment was paid to his character and to their 
discipline, by his elevation. 

From the general enthusiasm prevailing at this time, 
more men applied for admission into the artillery than 
was authorised, and it became necessary to form two 
companies, uniting them in battalion. The oflicers of 
the original company were accordingly all promoted to 
effect this object. Thomas Grimball, Junr., became 
major ; Thomas Hey ward, Junr., became captain of the 
first comj)any ; Edward Rutledge became captain of the 
second company ; Anthony Toomer, Charles Warkam, 
Daniel Stevens and Benjamin Wilkins, lieutenants ; 
but in what order, we are not informed. The original 
plan of having a lieutenant captain in each company 
was continued in them, until united to the regiment of 
artillery. 



14 



210 TRADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

STATE OF SOUTH-CAROLINA. 

Jxme 3, 1778. 

This is to certify. That William Jolmson is this day 
inlisted into Captain Thonms HeyiDarcTs company of 
the Charlestown battalion of Artillery, commanded 
by Major Thomas Geimball, Jun. 

LyCyC6^&{^ AdjutanL 




Hostilities commenced soon after the Charleston 
Artillery were thus organized, and they were ordered 
on the first expedition in arms — that for the capture of 
Fort Johnson. In this they were among the most 
efficient. Although drenched to the skin by the in- 
clemency of the weather, and incapable of firing a 
gun, they pushed forward as infantry, and resolved to 
take the fort at the point of the bayonet. They, how- 
ever, met with no resistance ; they took the fort, and 
kept it. The guns had been overturned by the British 
troops, who were withdrawn in haste as the Americans 
advanced. Before the next morning three of the 
heavy guns had been re-mounted in the fort, and were 
ready for defence against the expected attack of the 
British sloops of war. 

In 1776, during the invasion by Sir Peter Parker 
and Sir Henry Clinton, the battalion were stationed 
in the fort at the southern extremity of Church-street, 
a part of the present Battery. The post was then 
called Fort Broughton, but shortly after the battle of 
Beaufort, in which the battalion lost a favorite officer. 
Lieutenant Wilkius, the name was, at their request, 
changed to Fort Wilkins, for the purpose of commem- 
orating his bravery and worth. 

In April, 1778, the members of the battalion were 
paraded, that they might take the oath of allegiance 



THE AMEEICAN EEVOLUTION. 211 

and sign it. Tliis tliey all did, except one man ; and 
the certificates of their having signed, were given by 
Major G-rimball, dated April 1st, and delivered to each 
of the men. 

I do hereby certify, That William Johnson hath 
taken and subscribed the oath of allegiance and fidel- 
ity, as directed by an act of the General Assembly of 
the State of South-Carolina, entitled " An act to 
oblige every male person of this State, above a certain 
age, to give assurance of fidelity and allegiance to the 
same, and for other purposes." 

April 1st, Ills. 

Early in 1779, the battalion were ordered to Puris- 
burg, near Savannah river, under General Moultrie, 
and while there, were detached from General Lincoln's 
army, to attack the British artillery, under Colonel 
Gardner, on Beaufort Island. 



BATTLE OF BEAUFORT. 

The British forces having obtained possession of 
Savannah, and the greater part of Georgia, sent off, 
early in 1779, several detachments to annoy South- 
Carolina. One of them was sent to Beaufort, with a 
howitzer and two field-pieces, under the command of 
Colonel Gardner, with about two hundred of their 
regular troops. Colonel Moultrie was sent to oppose 
them, with two companies of the Charleston Artillery 
(militia) and two pieces of field artillery. In Beau- 
fort, he was joined by nine men of the State troops 
and several volunteers, with a third piece of artillery. 
Among these, were Captain DeTreville, Captain Mit- 
chell, Captain Dunham and Lieutenant Moore. These 
gentlemen waived the privilege of rank, under their 
commissions in the local militia, and worked, as pri- 



212 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

vates, at their own gun.'^ This put Moultrie on an 
equality, in arms and numbers, with the British regu- 
lars ; and this gun, having been admirably served, did 
great execution. Both parties endeavored to gain a 
particular position — a defile, protected by a ravine or 
swamp. The British gained it, and had the great 
advantages of being sheltered by the growth of woods, 
as well as the position and the discipline of their artil- 
lerists ; while the Carolinians were exposed in an open 
field. They, however, continued to advance on the 
enemy, who had a portion of their troops selected as 
sharp-shooters, which did much execution from their 
covered position. Moultrie, on the other hand, al- 
though a portion of his men were armed with fusees 
to protect their cannon, in case of a charge, had given 
orders that they should not be fired ; apprehending 
that his men might be thrown into confusion by their 
anxiety to shoot, and thus neglect their field pieces. 
A very lively fire of artillery was kept up by both 
parties, and a shot, directed by Lieutenant Benjamin 
Wilkins, struck the British howitzer and dismounted 
it. This was, no doubt, important in the fortunate 
event of the battle ; but he, poor fellow, was soon after 
wounded, and died after the action. The Carolinians, 
continuing to advance, were much galled by the sharp- 
shooters. One of them was observed by John David 
Miller, who asked permission of Captain Thomas Hey- 
ward to shoot him, alleging that " he will kill us, if we 
do not kill him." But Captain Heyward could not 
permit it, and directly afterwards, a shot fired by that 
man broke the arm of Mr. Miller, passed through it, 
and lodged in the side of Mr. John Righton, inflicting a 
very dangerous wound. 

After a very gallant action, the British artillerists 
retreated, and were pursued by Captain John Barn- 
well, with about fifteen mounted volunteers, until they 
left the island and the State. The American detach- 
ment, as in other cases, being short of ammunition, 

* The first of these commanded the gun, the second pointed it, the 
third rammed and sponged the piece, and the fourth fired it. 



THE AMEKICAN EEVOLUTION. 213 

were unable to pursue their retreating foes. Several 
prisoners were taken by the Americans, and among 
them a sergeant, wounded, but not dangerously. When 
his wounds were dressed, he inquired if that company 
was commanded by Captain Gadsden ; and being told 
no, but that Captain Gadsden did command it, when 
first formed, he inquired for the orderly book of that 
company. This having been produced, he asked if a 
person, whom he named, was not the drill sergeant at 
the time of its formation. They turned to the first 
pages, and found that it was as he rej^resented. He 
then said, " that is my name ; I am the sergeant 
who taught that company their exercises, which they 
have so well performed in this day's action ; they have 
beat me with my own weapons." The poor fellow was 
then recognized by some of his former comrades, re- 
ceived kind attentions from all, recovered, and was 
exchanged. 

After this action the duties of the battalion were 
confined to the neighborhood of Charleston, and when 
besieged by Sir Henry Clinton and Admiral Arbuth- 
not, the post of honor was assigned to them ; the post 
called the horn-works, which enclosed the gates of 
the city; one company was stationed on each side 
of the city gates and drawbridge. By the fall of 
Charleston, the battalion was dissolved, for a time. 
After the peace it was revived, and most of the offi- 
cers re-elected in the same comparative rank. They 
were frequently exercised and drilled, and acquired 
as much confidence in their officers and in themselves 
as formerly. This continued with much good feeling, 
until the Legislature revised and altered the militia 
system, incorporating the old battalion into a regi- 
ment of artillery. In this change, it is true that some 
of the officers acquired a rank not attainable in the 
battalion, and some few were gratified with the com- 
mission of colonel, yet, from that tune, the battalion 
declined. The esprit de cm'ps was lost; the higher 
officers, their comrades and associates, ceased to parade 
with them, as formerly, and other officers occasionally 



214 TRADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

commanded, whom they had not elected, and who 
had been imposed on them by the new law — officers 
that they did not like, but must obey. There was 
compulsion introduced into a volunteer association. 
They gradually diminished in numbers, and finally 
became extinct as a military corps. In the war of 
1812, they were as numerous as ever, and as great 
favorites. Shortly after the declaration of war. Gov- 
ernor Middleton ordered an encampment of the artil- 
lery, the riflemen and other uniform companies of 
Charleston, at Fenwick's Point, in St. Andrew's Parish, 
near the bridge, which was then new. The want of 
due preparation and provision, experienced on that 
occasion, was an evidence of its necessity. Shortly 
after this, the artillery were ordered into a second 
encampment, at Stent's Point, on the south-east part 
of James' Island, and there things were but little 
improved. Many of the citizen soldiers were dissatis- 
fied, but few or none resigned, until an order was 
issued for taking the height and personal description 
of each member, as in conscripts and enlistments into 
the regular service. Many became dissatisfied that 
they should be thus treated like fort soldiers, as if 
they were expected to desert and be advertised like 
them. It must be acknowledged that encampments 
are the best means of instructing the militia and 
young troops, when well arranged and well conducted ; 
but it must also be acknowledged, that when this 
encampment was over, there was still much room for 
improvement — of the officers, especially. It should 
have been preceded by encampments of the officers ; 
the officers should have been first drilled by some one 
well acquainted with the duties. The men who were 
encamped on this occasion, had reason to complain; 
their tours of duty were not arranged equally, nor the 
relief sent to them at the proper time ; they were not 
well supplied with provisions or camp equipage. 
Some duties required of them were menial, as if they 
had signed the articles of war, and had taken the bounty. 
One of the captains was a tailor, and when insisting 



THE AMEEICAN EEVOLUTION". 215 

that lie TVould take a minute description of Ms men, 
was asked, by one who had been a customer, if 
" he wanted to take his measure for another suit of 
clothes ?" 

Still there was war, and the enemy on our coast ; 
still the members served as long as their services 
could be useful to their country, with the exception of 
a few who resigned, that they might serve in other 
corps. As soon as peace was declared, they began to 
fall off rapidly ; and after several attempts to rally and 
re\dve the peculiar feeling among the descendants of 
those who had served in the revolution, it became 
evident, that the partiality to it as an independent 
corps was now lost by its junction with the regiment 
of artillery. They finally ceased to parade about the 
year ISSY, and ceased to exist except in a benevolent 
institution, which they had established in 1808, and 
of which every member of the corps was a member 
under the rules. It was called the Charleston Ancient 
Artillery Society. This society, like that of the Cin- 
cinnati, still exists, composed of a few original mem- 
bers, but chiefly of the descendants of members of 
that corps. Their funds amount to $10,000, well 
invested in stocks ; the admission to it is by the votes 
of the present members, the payment of thirteen 
dollars entrance, and the annual contribution of six 
dollars by each member. For this they enjoy their 
social recollections, and a fine dinner, free of expense, 
at their anniversary. 



ANECDOTES OF A YOUNG VOLUNTEER. 

A young officer, of Charleston, was a volunteer in 
this detachment, under Colonel Moultrie, on Beaufort 
Island. He was a man of talents, courage and respec- 
tability, and anxious to distinguish himself, but he was 
not in the action. He came up after it was all over, 
saying that he was very sorry, but he had been led 
off by a fine flock of wild turkeys, which he wanted to 



216 TRADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

shoot, and could not get "back in time. Instead of 
sharing in the honors acquired by the rest of the 
detachment, he was mortified, and felt as if every one 
was sneering at him, and whispering that his absence 
was intentional. He was mortified, but not disgraced 
in the eyes of the community. This circumstance is 
mentioned to show our young readers, the consequen- 
ces of turning aside from the paths of duty and honor, 
not only in military matters, but in all the various 
pursuits of life. By yielding to the seductions of 
pleasure, this gentleman, although ambitious of dis- 
tinction, and ardent in his patriotism, was not only 
disappointed when an opportimity was afforded him 
for acquiring distinction, but sorely mortified at the 
reverse. 

This gentleman possessed many good qualities, which 
were appreciated by his fellow citizens ; but being 
handsome and the possessor of a fine person, he was 
vain and ostentatious. Every mishap or mistake that 
occurred with him, was noticed, talked of and laughed 
at by the invidious, when in one less conspicuous, or, 
as they said, less assuming, it would have been over- 
looked, as accidental, and forgotten. His were errors 
of education and example, not of principles, but they 
were errors, and ought to be avoided by all in our 
republic, and by all in every other country in the 
world. It is very probable that some of the good 
jokes against him were fabricated, and the following 
among others. 

After his return from imprisonment, in St. Augus- 
tine, to Philadelphia, where Congress met, having 
been exchanged and being desirous of service in the 
army, he was again about to equip himself for the 
field. Wanting a sword, he went to a celebrated cutler 
there, to l^e supplied. The cutler asked what kind of 
a sword he wished, when our countryman, displaying 
his fine person in the attitude of a fencer replied that 
" he wanted a sword suited to tliat arm." The cutler 
rejoined, " tliat his swords had been approved by all 
who had tried them in battle^ but that they were tem- 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTIOIT. 217 

pered to suit the heart and not the arm of the 
wearer." This implied doubt of his courage, might 
have been avoided by the ordinary deportment of one 
who wished to purchase a good sword, and its temper 
afterwards be proved in battle. 

When a prisoner, on parole, in St. Augustine, he, 
with the rest, was permitted to write to his friends, in 
the United States, on condition that nothing should 
be communicated about the state of affairs in St. 
Augustine. In one of his letters to a friend, this con- 
dition was violated and the fact discovered ; he was 
arrested, by order of the commander, and confined in 
one of the cells of the castle. In one of the long, 
dreary hours of solitary confinement, he wrote on his 
prison walls the following reflections, or something 
like them, on the " vain glories of the world." 

"Life is a vapour, man' needs repose, 

He glories but a moment, down he goes," 

A British officer, to show his wit, certainly not his 
sympathy or humanity, wrote under it, 

is a bubble, as bis scribbling shows, 



He cuts a caper, and then up he goes!" 

with a finger pointing at a man, suspended on a 
gallows. 

In a regimental muster, this gentleman was the com- 
manding officer, and was exercising the companies in 
the usual mode, when he made a mistake in the word 
of command. His order was, " right about — to the 
left — wheel !" All wheeled, but some to the right and 
others to the left ; some stood back to back, while 
others stood face to face, laughing at each other in 
glorious confusion. 



GENERAL PROVOST'S INVASION. 

General Provost's inroad and attack on Charleston, 
occurred nearly three years after the battle of Sulli- 
van's Island. General Lincoln having gone with the 



218 TEADITIONS AND EEMrNISCENCES OF 

greater part of the Southern army, tip the Savannah 
river, to the neighborhood of Augusta, the low 
country was left exposed, and advantage was taken of 
it. The greatest exertions were made to fortify and 
save Charleston, and they succeeded. The governor 
and council rere indefatigable in their energies, but 
did not always confine themselves to their duties as 
civilians. They did not act in concert with General 
Moultrie, the military commander of Charleston. 

On the very day that Provost crossed the Ashley 
river. Count Pulaski crossed the Cooper river with a 
few choice troops, both cavalry and infantry. Al- 
though his reinforcement was not great, numerically, 
yet his arrival was highly important and encouraging 
to the inhabitants, at that critical moment. One of 
them, Mr. George Flagg, was riding up the Dorches- 
ter road, that day, and saw the vanguard of the 
British army crossing Asliley Ferry ; he hurried back 
to Charleston and spread the alarm. Being intro- 
duced to Count Pulaski, an expedition against the 
British was immediately determined on. Mr. Flagg 
was requested to be the guide, and Pulaski may have 
said something about his being one of the aids. They 
encountered the British in the only road at that time 
leading to the city, about the place of JSToisette's Gar- 
den, a little south of the forks. 

The charge of Pulaski's cavalry was in character 
with their leader — desperately brave, but of short 
duration — and in the result inefficient. It was what 
is now called feeling the enemy ; and although few 
were killed, it made an impression on the minds of 
the British, who did not dream of an encounter with 
Count Pulaski, or any such attack by regulars. They, 
therefore, became more cautious in their advances. 
Pulaski's horses being jaded and fatigued by their 
long journey, were unfit for the route which ensued, 
and a number of his men were lost in the pursuit. 
Among others of note, was Colonel Kowatch, the 
second in command, a very experienced, able officer, 
who fell and was buried, by the British, on the west 



THE AMEEICAN EEVOLUTIOlSr. 219 

side of the road, at tlie soutli-west corner of it and 
Huger-street, on tlie lltli of May, 1Y79. Colonel 
Kowatch was a Prussian by birth, and had distin- 
guished himself in the army of Frederick the Great, 
of Prussia, from whose own hands he had received a 
complimentary badge of honor. 

After the revolution, Mr. Flagg frequently travelled 
in the Northern States, and always with the title of 
"Colonel Flagg, aid-de-camp of Count Pulaski;" a 
traveller's title. He often told of this engagement as 
07ie in which he was present, and told it with anima- 
tion ; but he only sometimes told how expeditiously he 
leaped the ditch to get out of the skirmish, and made 
his escape to the city in safety. 



THREAT TO THE PRIVY COUNCIL. 

The day after this skirmish was spent in negotia- 
tions between the council and the British commander ; 
they offering to surrender the town on condition that 
it should remain neutral durins; the rest of the war. 
This disgraceful proposal was made by council as a 
■ruse to obtain time for defence, and for General 
Lincoln to advance and cut oif Provost's retreat. 
Gadsden, Ferguson and Edwards voted against it. 
One of them told of it, in terms of disapprobation, to 
a number of the Charleston battalion of artillery, 
while stationed at the lines, of which my father was 
one. They, unanimously, exclaimed, that if carried 
into effect, it should be at the peril of those who voted 
for the offer, and that their lives should answer for it. 
This threat was repeated to some of those who were 
believed to have voted for the offer ; Governor Math- 
ews was said to have been present and heard the 
threat, and was believed to be one of the council. 
General Moultrie certainly believed it to be a serious 
offer, and when the demand for surrender was made 
on him, as the military commander, he positively 
refused to do so. The gallant John Laurens, on being 



220 TRADITIOlSrS AND EEMINISCEN"CES OF 

told of tlie refusal, said, "thank God, we are on our 
legs again." 

The civil authority now determined to obstruct the 
road, and sent out a party for that purpose, under 
Major B. Huger. This measure was a very proper 
one, if concerted with Moultrie, the military head; 
but, unfortunately, he was not even notified of it, and 
no notice extended by any one to the sentinels on 
duty. When Major Huger had executed his orders, 
and was returning with his men, he was fired on by 
the sentinels, and killed, with several of his comrades, 
by his own countrymen. No one ever died more just- 
ly or deeply lamented in South-Carolina. He was one 
of the most accomplished, honorable, gallant gentle- 
men in the State. He was the father of our chivalric 
fellow-citizen, Colonel F. K. Huger, the friend of La- 
Fayette. 

The alarm having been given about ten o'clock at 
night, by the firing of the sentinels, it was taken up 
along the whole of the lines, a tremendous cannonade 
ensued, and was kept up all night by the Americans. 
When the next morning dawned, the British flag was 
no longer visible ; they had moved oif quietly during 
the night. 



MAJOR BENJAMIN HUGER- 

This gentleman was the fifth son of Daniel Huger, 
a descendant from one of the first and most respec- 
table of the Huguenot emigrants to South-Carolina. 
Daniel Huger, the first of that name, arrived with his 
family in Charleston, in the year 1694, and settled, 
with other Huguenots, in what was called French San- 
tee, near Lanud's ferry, in St. Stephens' Parish, and in 
that of St. James', Santee. 

Mr. Huger removed, with several other families, to 
the head waters of Cooper river. The original names 
given by these families to many of those settlements, 
are still retained ; such as Cote Bas, Huger's bridge, 



THE AlIEEIC AN /REVOLUTION". 2^1 

Videau's bridge, Bonneau's ferry, Frencli quarter creek, 
&.G. In the cultivation of rice, they all prospered ; 
Mr. Huger, in particular, became wealthy. He was of 
a liberal disposition, and gave his numerous family all 
the advantages of education that America afforded^ 
and sent his sons, in succession, to Europe for the tour, 
which was then considered indispensable towards the 
completion of a good education. They all profited by 
their opportunities, and returned courteous and polished 
gentlemen. 

At the commencement of the revolution, the bro- 
thers united with great cordiality in support of the 
American rights. John Huger was elected, by the 
Provincial Congress, a member of the council of safety, 
associated with Miles Brewton, Thomas Heyward, Ar- 
thur Middleton, and others, of which Henry Laurens 
was the president. John Huger was afterwards Secre- 
tary of State. Isaac Huger was elected lieutenant 
colonel of the first regiment, in June, 1775, as soon as 
possible after the battle of Lexington ; Daniel Huger 
was several years a member of the Continental Con- 
gress ; Francis Huger was elected quarter-master gene- 
ral ; and Benjamin Huger major of the second regi- 
ment of riflemen in the Provincial service. 

The commissions issued on this occasion were singu- 
larly worded, as if the members of council were appre- 
hensive of signing their own death warrants, by issuing 
these commissions. 

(Copy.) SOUTH-CAROLINA. 

In pursuance of the resolution of the Provincial 
Congress, we do certify that Benjamin Huger, Esq., is 
major of the second regiment of riflemen, in the Pro- 
vincial service, dated l7th day of June, 1775, and 
signed by William Williamson, James Parsons, Henry 
Laurens, Thomas Bee, Thomas Heyward, Rawlins 
Lowndes, William Henry Drayton, Benjamin Elliott, 
Charles Pinckney, Arthur Middleton, Miles Brewton 
and Thomas Ferguson. Each of the signers conclud- 
ing that if he should be hanged for this, his act and 



222 



TEADITIONS AND EEMmiSCENCES OF 



deed, it would be in good company and in a good 
cause. The Provincial Congress did it, and they cer- 
tify it in obedience. 

In 17T7, while residing on his rice plantation, near 
Georgetown, Major Huger was called upon by two 
strangers, neither of whom could speak a word of Eng- 
lish. Being accustomed, from childhood, to speak 
French, Major Huger went out and invited them into 
his family circle. They were evidently men of dis- 
tinction. They told him that they had left France to 
visit America, and had been put on shore near George- 
town, on North Island, wishing to proceed northwardly. 
One of them announced himself as the Marquis De La 
Fayette ; 




the other as the Baron De Steuben. They were hos- 
pitably entertained by Major Huger, introduced to his 
neighbors and friends, and then conveyed, in his own 
equipage, to Charleston, where they were well taken 
care of by the governor and council, and provision 
made for their journey to Philadelphia. 

At the time of Provost's invasion. Major Huger had 
a family, and lived in the enjoyment of ease, health 
and honor, in an elegant establishment, with all the 
enjoyments of domestic and social hapj^iness. When 
he accepted the commission in the newly raised regi- 
ment, he had no earthly motive for thus devoting him- 
self to the public service, but the love of country, and 



THE AMEBIC AN EEVOLUTION". 223 

Ms sense of duty to defend lier dearest riglits. When 
appointed by the governor and council to proceed 
with his command and execute the duty confided to 
him, however dangerous it might have been considered, 
he rejoiced in the opportunity of rendering a service 
to that country, even by his death. He fell in execu- 
ting it ! For this 

*' Men's cheeks were pale with grief, 
And women's eyes were bathed with tears." 

Major Huger had married a sister of Francis and 
Cleland Kinloch. She was left a widow, with a daugh- 
ter and two sons, to lament his untimely fate and their 
irreparable loss. His widow lived to see her children 
well educated, married and honored. Her daughter 
married the Honorable Hugh Rutledge, chancellor of 
South-Carolina. Her oldest son, Benjamin, married 
the widow of Thomas Allston, Esq., and was many 
years a delegate to Congress, from his own district, 
Georgetown. And her youngest son, Francis Kinloch 
Huger, after his daring enterprise to rescue LaFayette 
from the prison of Olmutz, was commissioned colonel 
of artillery, married a daughter of the late General 
Thomas Pinckney, and held the commission of adju- 
tant general, in his division of the Southern army, in 
the war of 1812, against Great Britain. He still lives, 
blessed with health of mind and body, blessed in his 
children and friends, and in the consciousness of a life 
well spent. 

Among those children, is Colonel Benjamin Huger, 
chief of the ordnance department, whose bravery, 
professional skill, and diligent provision of all things 
required in its execution, induced General Totten to 
say of him, that he was the means of taking Vera 
Cruz. 

A few years after the death of Major Huger, a mar- 
ble monument, with well sculptured figures, was erected 
by his widow, to his memory, in St. Philip's Church, 
with an inscription, recording his death before the lines 



224 TEADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

of Charleston, in tlie thirty-second year of his age, and 
concluding with the following lines : 

Ye that peruse his name who living shin'd, 
Oh ! bear the merits of the dead in mind ! 
How skilled he was in each engaging art, 
The mildest manners, with a generous heart, 
He was — but heaven how soon ordained his end, 
In death a hero, as in life a friend. 

This monument was unhappily destroyed by the 
fire, which consumed that church in the year 1835. 

In this inroad of Provost, the second attack of the 
British on Charleston, Governor Rutledge was, for a 
time, invested with all the power of a dictator. In 
one of his visits of inspection, on the extreme right of 
the lines, where Dr. Thomas G. Prioleau lately lived, 
he discovered some of the militia inattentive to their 
duty, and to the danger of their situation. He rode 
up to them, and not only reproved them in a tone of 
irritation, but actually struck one of them with his rat- 
tan or twig whip. This was Captain William Joyner, 
of Beaufort, who lived until the year 1835, as firm a 
patriot and as worthy a man as any in the State. On 
the day after this occurrence. Governor Butledge rode 
back again to the same place, and addressed those who 
were on the station; stated, with much dignity and 
propriety, that in his extreme anxiety for the public 
welfare, he had hastily struck a citizen at that station. 
He did not know who, but that he had come publicly 
to express his regret for having done so, and to hope 
that nothing more might be thought of it. 

General Provost, in his return to Georgia, was cut 
off from the main road by the return of General Lin- 
coln's army. He entrenched himself at Stono ferry, 
and was there very gallantly attacked by that army, 
in a movement concerted with Colonel Moultrie, who 
still commanded in Charleston. Moultrie was ordered 
to ta]?:e six hundred of the Charleston militia with 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 225 

him — to leave tlie city at an hour designated, with one 
galley and a sufficient number of boats, for transport- 
ing the troops ; to pass through Wappoo, at high 
water, and be ready to join in the attack, at a certain 
hour. But Moultrie was not there. The attack was 
very gallantly made and well sustained ; the American 
troops charged the British regulars in the open field, 
routed them, pursued them to their entrenchments, 
and gained their heights. From these heights, with 
victory within their grasp, they discovered a large re- 
inforcement of British troops crossing over the ferry, 
to the relief of the fort, and there was no possibility 
of maintaining the advantage which they had gained. 
If Moultrie had been there, as appointed, this rein- 
forcement could not have crossed the ferry, and the 
British division in the entrenchments would certainly 
have been captured. Why was not Moultrie there ? 
It was no doubt true, as he said, that the boats could 
not pass through Wappoo in time for the action. But 
why could they not ? Because Moultrie did not leave 
the city at the time appointed ; he lost his tide, and 
stuck aground in Wappoo. Moultrie was not a punc- 
tual man. He remained at his own house, with a con- 
vivial party of friends, until the tide had fallen too low 
for him to pass through the cut.* The expedition 
failed, and many valuable lives were sacrificed in vain ; 
had he been punctual, it would most probably have 
succeeded. This was the only blemish in Moultrie's 
character. Who was ever more free from faults ? His 
countrymen loved him, and they overlooked this failing. 
I mention this traditionary fact, chiefly to guard my 
young friends against the many, various, and dangerous 
consequences, which result from procrastination. One 
of the most distinguished commanders in modern wars, 
declared that he owed all his success in hfe to his 
punctuality ; that his invariable habit of attendance, 
one quarter of an hour before the appointed time, had 
made him lord high admiral of Great Britain. Colo- 

* This was told to me by one of the expedition, Mr. Robert Dewar, 
15 



226 TRADITIONS AKD EEMINISCENCES OF 

nel Henry Laurens, whose example we have ever before 
us, was one of the most remarkable men in South-Ca- 
rolina for punctuality and early rising. His extraor- 
dinary success, as a merchant, depended on these habits. 
While others were thinking to get up, he was already 
going around among the wharves, securing the pur- 
chase of produce as soon as it arrived, and loading his 
vessels, while others lingered in port. 

During this invasion of Provost, some of the dis- 
affected, and some more devoted to money than to 
their country, afforded important aid to the British 
troops. A law had been passed by the State Legisla- 
ture, making such conduct sedition, and providing an 
especial court, with plenary powers, for the trial of 
persons so accused, and for their execution, if convicted. 
Remington, Groundwater and Tweed, were taken, 
going out to the enemy. They were tried under this 
sedition act ; Remington turned State's evidence, and 
Groundwater and Tweed were found guilty under his 
testimony and executed. Some interest was made to 
save Groundwater, for the good he had done to the 
country, when, as captain of a small vessel, he had 
brought in military and other stores from the West 
Indies. He was, however, believed to have been con- 
cerned with Tweed, in setting fire to the town repeat- 
edly, in and near Pinckney-street, and there was no 
sympathy for such a convict. They were hanged on the 
17th March, 1779.— (See Wells' Gazette, of the 18th.) 

A little before this, Free Jerry — a pilot — a colored 
man, was taken up and tried, for communicating with 
the British, and piloting them, with their suj)plies, 
from Edisto Inlet to Provost's encampment at Stono 
ferry. The evidence against him was not strong or 
conclusive, until one of the above convicts came for- 
ward with testimony, on which he was convicted and 
executed. Jerry and his friends declared the evidence 
given in this case to be false and malicious, as a dispute 
had arisen between this man and Jerry a little before 
the trial, 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 227 



CHAPTER VII. 



Gov. James Moore — Col. William Rhett — Dr. John Moultrie — Dr. 
Lewis Mottet — Disastrous Siege of Savannah — Count Casimer Pulas- 
ki — Siege of Charleston — Pitt's Statue — Death of a man and wife — 

Death of Sawyer — Guns of theFoudroyant — Maj. Andre, then a 

Spy — Progress of the Siege — Proposed Letter by Gen. Gadsden — 
Capitulation. 

On the death of Col. Joseph Blake, in the year 1700, 
Capt. James Moore was elected his successor by the 
proprietors' deputies in council. 

At this time there unhappily existed a great excite- 
ment among the inhabitants of South-Carolina, about 
the establishment of the Episcopal Church in that pro- 
vince, and Moore favored and sustained the establish- 
lishment. On his convening the Provincial Assembly, 
as we are told by Oldmixon, he procured a bill to be 
brought before them, for regulating the Indian trade, 
calculated to throw into his own hands a monopoly of 
that profitable business. 

This bill being opposed by Nicholas Trott and others, 
was negatived by the Assembly. *^fter detailing va- 
rious al:)uses of power and scenes of violence, Oldmixon 
continues his history, saying: " The governor's measures 
having succeeded, he commissioned Anthony Dods- 
worth, Robt. Monkton, and others, to set upon, assault, 
kill, destroy, and take as many Indians as they possibly 
could; the profit and produce of which Indian slaves 
were turned to his private use." 

He first involved the Province in the expenses of 
an attempt to take St. Augustine, in which he failed ; 
and then in an Indian war, in which his troops pene- 
trated as far south- as Apallache, killing and capturing 
great numbers of the Indians. These prisoners he was 
accused of sending oft' to the West Indies, chiefly to 



228 TEADITIOKS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

Jamaica and Barbadoes, to be sold as slaves for Ms 
private benefit. 

These are the allegations against Governor Moore, 
by Oldmixon, Hewet and others : they are so serious 
in their nature as to call for investigation. 

The sale of Indians as slaves in the West Indies, was 
commenced by Governor Joseph West, about the year 
IGYS, and continued as a government measure, when- 
ever such prisoners were brought to Charleston, by 
any of the war parties sent to oppose their depreda- 
tions. At this time, Great Britain was the greatest of 
slave traders, and the coast of Africa was lined with 
her merchant slavers. These shipments of Indians 
were encouraged by the proprietors and by the British 
ministry, to reduce the number of the Indians, the 
only enemies to their American colonies : as the only 
means by which the Indian captives could be saved 
from immediate death. If not killed or sent abroad, 
they would escape to their respective tribes and kin- 
dred, and be more mischievous than before, because 
better acquainted with the localities and avenues. 

But as to the alleged monopoly, many of the Indian 
traders have ever been men who would take all advan- 
tages of the artless savages, corrupt, intoxicate, swin- 
dle, and exasperate them. To restrain these practices, 
as far as possible, the measures proposed were to li- 
cense the most respectable traders on bond and secu- 
rity, thereby excluding all others. The plan was adopt- 
ed, but proved ineffectual then, as it has since, under 
the United States government. Even the resident 
agents cannot prevent the demoralizing influence of 
ardent spirits. 

That Governor Moore's measures were known and ap- 
proved in England, is evident from his l)eing retained in 
office about three years, and when superseded by Sir Na- 
thaniel Johnson, was ap]:)ointed attorney-general, and 
^*Viiis advocate, Trott, the chief justice. That Moore had 
not lost the confidence of the inhabitants, is proved by 
his having been appointed tlieir governor when they 
rebelled against the proprietors, and displaced their 



THE AjVIERICAN eevolution. 229 

governor, Robert Johnson. But we have more direct 
and conclusive evidence in a tradition communicated to 
me by James S. Rhett, Esq., derived from bis father, 
Mr. James Smith. This gentleman, when travelling in 
Europe, about the close of the revolution, paid his re- 
spects to our former venerable governor, William Bull. 
He was then in London, infirm from age, but like other 
gouty persons, retaining a clear and discriminating 
mind. In the course of conversation on American af- 
fairs, they discussed the allegations against Governor 
Moore ; and Governor Bull told Mr. Smith, " that to 
his own knowledge, the charge was false as to his ap- 
plying the sales of the exported Indians to his pri- 
vate emolument. That the Indians being a terrible 
scourge to the colony, Moore had been very energetic 
and successful in having them captured and shipped to 
the West Indies, but that the proceeds of sales were al- 
ways paid into the public treasury. That he had him- 
self investigated the matter, and knew this to be the 
fact." This is the last record that we know of relative 
to Governor William Bull. Throughout a long life, he 
was remarkable for his liberality, integrity and mercy. 

We are, therefore, satisfied that the clamours against 
Governor Moore resulted from the religious controver- 
sies which then pervaded Europe, and extended to 
America until the adoption of the Federal Constitution. 
We deprecate the establishment of any religious sect 
in connection with the government of any country 
whatever. Our Maker knows all the propensities of 
our nature, and wisely permits the discussion of civil 
and religious subjects for the diffusion of knowledge and 
establishment of truth. He benevolently sanctions a 
difference in religious tenets, from the time of Paul and 
ApoUos to this day, for the purpose of keeping alive 
our zeal in religious inquiries, by a study of the holy 
scriptures. Men who rely on an establishment, are 
very apt to become lukewarm and inactive. 

Governor Moore married the only child and heiress 
of Sir John Yeamons, who was the governor of this 
colony from 1671 to 167 4, and then died in Barbadoes. 



230 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

He ordered the present city of Charleston to be sur- 
veyed for its location. 

Governor Moore was a son or grandson of the cele- 
brated Koger Moore, the Irish conspirator against 
Cromwell. Their descendants have ever been among 
the most distinguished in North-Carolina. 



COL. WILLIAM RHETT. 

A considerable portion of the follo^dng sketch is 
taken from Ramsay's South-Carolina, vol. ii. p. 507. 
This gentleman was born in London, in the year 1666, 
and came to Carolina in 1694, with his wife and one 
child. They had six children born in Charleston. His 
father's family came from Holland, under William of 
Orange, and the original spelling of his name was 
changed to suit the English mode of pronouncing it. 

In the year 1704, the Province was invaded by a 
French squadron, five vessels of which actually came 
to anchor within the harbor of Charleston. Rhett was 
commander of the militia with a colonel's commission, 
and the governor. Sir Nathaniel Johnson, having hasti- 
ly armed six small merchant vessels for the occasion, 
appointed Rhett to the command of this squadron. 
He promptly accepted the appointment, manned his 
vessels with the elite of his militia companies, and some 
volunteers to act as marines in the expected naval 
action. With this equipment, as soon as the French 
vessels anchored, he proceeded to attack them ; but 
on his approach the enemy hoisted sail and proceeded 
to sea. 

In a few days after this adventure, information was 
received that an armed ship was seen in Sevee Bay, 
more probably Bull's Bay, and had landed a number 
of her men. A party of the militia under Captain 
Fenwick, was immediately ordered to attack those on 
land, and Commodore Rhett to go to sea with his squad- 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. 231 

ron, consisting of a Dutcli privateer and a Bermuda 
sloop, to attack tlie French ship in the bay. Both ex- 
peditions succeeded perfectly and without bloodshed ; 
the ship having surrendered, was brought into the port 
of Charleston with about ninety prisoners. 

In 4^1^ the pirates were so daring and troublesome, 
as to blockade the port of Charleston, by relieving each 
other in the offing, and alternately resorting to Cape 
Fear river for supplies and outfits. Robert Johnson, 
the son of Sir Nathaniel, the former governor, was noTV 
the Governor of South-Carolina. He fitted out two 
armed sloops, gave the command of them to Colonel 
Khett, and sent him to sea for the protection of the 
trade. On his approaching the bar, Steed Bonnett^ 
who commanded a piratical sloop in the vicinity, fled to 
Cape Fear river. Rhett followed him, and a severe en- 
gagement ensued. In it, Rhett and his men boarded 
the pirate and fought them hand to hand, on their own 
deck. During the action, Rhett was dangerously wound* 
ed by a musket ball through his body but after kill- 
ing many of the crew, he captured the vessel and 
brought her into Charleston, with the captain and thir- 
ty other survivors. The ball by which Rhett was wound- 
ed, was preserved many years among his relatives. 

Shortly after this capture, while Rhett lay danger- 
ously ill of his wound, Richard Worley, the associate of 
Steed Bonnett, returned to the station, and was again 
blockading the port of Charleston, in a sloop armed 
with six guns. Governor Johnson, therefore, took 
command of his own armed vessel, and attacked the pi- 
rates at sea. They defended themselves with despe- 
rate bravery ; a bloody battle ensued on being boarded: 
none of the crew would submit, and all were killed ex- 
cept Captain Worley and one of his men. Nor did 
they submit until both were dangerously wounded. 
These two pirates were brought with their sloop into 
Charleston, by the governor. He there had them im- 
mediately tried, condemned and executed, to save them 
from dying of their wounds. 

Steed Bonnett, and the survivors of his crew, were 



232 TEADITIONS AISTD EEMINISOENCES OF 

also tried, convicted and executed, with, tlie exception 
of one man, on White Point, and buried there below 
the highwater mark. Bonnett was said to have been a 
man of education, rank and property. He was usually 
called Major Bonnett, and wrote a letter to Colonel 
Rhett, which Ramsay has published. Bonnett made 
his escape from prison, disguised in woman's clothes, 
but was re-captured and very properly hanged. 

Colonel Rhett, being a man of cool, determined cou- 
rage, was well qualified to command, and rose higher 
than ever in favor and influence. He was appointed col- 
lector of the port and receiver-general of the Province. 
In the revolution of 1719, although he did not join in 
it, he retained the confidence and favor of the people. 
They now appointed him lieutenant-general of their 
militia, and inspector-general of the fortifications, which 
he retained until appointed Governor of Barbadoes. 

Shortly after this, while preparing for his departure, 
Colonel Rhett was attacked with apoplexy, and died 
in Charleston. A monument was erected to his memo- 
ry over the family vault, in the western cemetery of 
St. Philip's church, near the front door of that building. 
His old family mansion is still the respectable residence 
of Mrs. E. Stoney, No. 26 Hasel-street. 



DR. JOHN MOULTRIE. 

The father of General Moultrie was Dr. John Moul- 
trie, born at Culross, in Fifeshire. After completing his 
medical education, he became surgeon in the navy of 
Great Britain, that his theoretical knowledge might 
be corrected and confirmed by practice and observation 
at the bed-side of his patients. He then came out from 
Scotland and established himself in Charleston, South- 
Carolina, in the year 1733. Here his talents, courtesy 
and humanity, soon introduced him into very extensive 
practice, which he retained with unl blemished reputation 
about forty years. A lady, now alive, speaks of his mild, 
dignified deportment, which, without appearing to seek 



THE AMEEICAlSr EEVOLUTION". 233 

it, commanded the respect and admiration of every one. 
He married a lady of Soutli-Carolina, and had four sons, 
all of whom survived him, and were all distinguished 
for talents and l^ravery. 

If Dr. Moultrie had a fault, (and who has not?) it was 
his conscientiously adhering in his practice to the princi- 
ples acquired in his medical education. Eelying on 
the knowledge and experience of his teachers, the most 
respectable j^hysicians in the "diseases of that climate 
and country, he adopted and practised them in Charles- 
ton. In the treatment of small pox, therefore, he con- 
tinued to exclude the fresh air from his patients, lest it 
should check the eruption, and to give warm drinks 
for the purpose of throwing out the peccant matter 
from the blood, according to the theory and practice 
that he had been taught. About the year 1760, he 
was called to attend Mr. Benjamin Mazyck, a very re- 
spectable planter, in the eruptive stage of small pox. 
The hot treatment was of course pursued, and the pa- 
tient continued to grow worse, and finally died, as every 
one present believed. When about to lay him out, one 
of his friends, Mr. Samuel Prioleau, observing that the 
chamber was very close and offensive, and as the fresh 
air could no longer do the patient any harm, threw up 
the sash close to the side of his bed. A fresh breeze 
blew in uj^on the body, and by the time that he was com- 
pletely shrouded, he was observed to gasp. From that 
time his chamber was kept airy ; Mr. Mazyck finally 
recovered, and lived about thirty years after he had 
been declared dead. Stephen Mazyck, his son, know- 
ing of this, and other providential escapes of his father, 
often used the expression, " if my father ever dies," I 
will do this or that. Mr. Stephen Mazyck was a wor- 
thy, honorable man, and an officer in the regi- 
ment of the South-Carolina troops. When the State 
was overrun by the British troops, he was one of the 
many who despaired too soon, and abandoned them- 
selves to intemperance, to drown their sorrows. After 
disgracing himself and his very respectable relatives, 
by a continued course of intoxication, something rous- 



234 TRADITIOT^S AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

ed liim to reflection and reformation. Tliere being no 
temperance societies at that time, and no pledge to 
be signed, lie took no oatb, but pledged wliat lie con- 
sidered the most sacred and binding on him, — he pledg- 
ed the honor of a continental soldier — that he would 
never again be intemperate, and steadily cherished and 
maintained his word. 

The second of Dr. Moultrie's sons, was the general 
whose name is recorded in almost every page of the 
history of South-Carolina, from his earliest youth, in 
the Cherokee war, to his death, in 1805. 

The next was Alexander Moultrie, Esq., many years 
attorney-general of the State, and one of the most 
talented members of the bar, among the many distin- 
guished lawyers at that time in South-Carolina. 

The third was Dr. John Moultrie, jr., the first Caroli- 
nian who received the degree of M.D. at the medical 
school at Edinburgh. On that occasion he defended 
his Latin thesis, " De Fehre Flava^'' and obtained the 
commendation of several eminent professors on the 
continent of Europe. Dr. Moultrie unhappily differed 
with his brothers in their firm resistance to the royal 
government. The king appointed him Lieutenant- 
Governor of Florida, and in this conspicuous post, his 
name was often published as a counterpoise to the in- 
fluence of his brothers. 

Lastly, Captain Thomas Moultrie, of the regi- 
ment, in the South-Carolina line. He was killed during 
the siege of Charlestown, in a sally under the com- 
mand of Colonel Henderson, in which they captured 
one of the British redoubts. 

When their father died in 1773, the regret of the 
inhabitants was universal. His death was especially 
lamented as an accoucheur. Li losing him they lost 
their reliance "in the hour of nature's sorrows." De- 
pressing fears aftected their spirits, and the year follow- 
ing was remarkable for the unusual number of deaths 
among the mothers of families. 

We do not know of any publications by Dr. Moul- 
trie, except his account of what is still called the great 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTIOK. 235 

hurricane in '^outh-Carolina^ wHcli occurred on the 
15th of September, 1752. 



DR. LEWIS MOTTET. 

This gentleman was a native of France, a man of 
education, and a talented physician. He first settled 
in practice in or near Monk's Corner, and attended the 
plantations both in St. John's (Berkley) and St. James' 
Goose Creek, at that time probably the most genteel 
range of practice in South-Carolina. Mottet was said 
to have been a bon vivant^ and always to have looked 
out for good cheer, when sent for to visit a patient. 

In his professional visits, he would tell the families 
that if a good fat calf was killed, he could extract from it 
something highly beneficial to his patient. That eating 
a loin of veal, or good calf 's-head soup, strengthened his 
nerves, quickened his understanding, and gave him a 
more perfect insight into the patient's disease — a more 
correct judgment of the remedies best suited to his case. 
By such means he contrived to administer to his own 
appetites, while prescribing for his patient's relief. 

On one occasion Mottet had sent in his bill against 
a gentleman who objected to the charges, said that it 
was extravagant, and refused to pay it. Mottet said 
nothing, made no abatement, but waited patiently un- 
til the gentleman again sent for him, having himself 
been attacked with a painful but not a dangerous af- 
fection. Mottet went immediately, prepared to relieve 
him ; saw the gentleman, ascertained the nature of his 
disease, and then very deliberately took his seat in the 
chamber. Being requested to do something for the 
relief of his patient, he said yes, he could easily relieve 
him; but asked, in turn, whether the gentleman had not 
refused to pay his bill ? The gentleman acknowledged 
this, but now ofl'ered to pay in advance for relief from 
his distressing situation. Mottet still kept his seat ; 



236 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

the patient again begged for God's sake that lie would 
relieve him, but Mottet swore that until his last bill 
was paid, the s:entleman should not be relieved. He 
was obliged to acquiesce, the money was paid, and he 
was promptly relieved 

On another occasion he was sent for by a dashing 
young gentleman, sick with intermitting fever. He 
inquired into the circumstances, prescribed for his pa- 
tient, and left the medicines with particular directions 
for the taking of them. He returned the next day, a 
little before the time when the chilly fit was expected. 
But his directions had been altogether neglected — the 
medicine not taken — the chill had returned earlier than 
before, and his patient had just gone to bed with an 
ague. Mottet was chagrined and provoked at this 
neglect of his arrangements. He went up to the cham- 
ber, and finding every particular confirmed, he stripped 
ofi' the bed-clothes of his patient, and gave him a smart 
scourging with the twig- whip, still retained in his hand. 
Mottet then covered up his patient carefully, and left 
him raging with pain and vexation. A profuse per- 
spiration ensued, and neither the ague nor the doctor 
ever returned. The young man was cured of his ague, 
but there was no balm applied to soothe his wounded 
feelings. On account of the disparity in their years, 
the patient resorted to the law, and sued the doctor 
for assault and battery. Mottet entered an appearance, 
attended the court, and requested permission to defend 
his own cause. This having been granted, he proceed- 
ed with much humor, endeavoring to make the suit 
ridiculous, and laugh ofl' the penalty. He assured the 
court that he had only acted professionally in this case; 
had only executed a professional duty. That it was 
his duty Ijoth to prescribe and administer for the re- 
lief of his patient. That his prescriptions ha\dng been 
totally neglected and the paroxysm returned, he had 
visited him in the very crisis of the disease. That there 
was not a moment to spare for other remedies, such as 
blister, mustard plasters, and potions; even if prescrib- 
ed, they also might have been rejected and neglected 



THE AMEKICAN EEVOLUTION. 237 

like the first ; lie was therefore obliged to administer 
the only remedy of which the time and circumstances 
admitted. He had only, in the line of his profession, 
applied a stimulant and rubifacient to the extremities 
of his patient, the application and effect of which were 
instantaneous, both in mind and body, and no other ap- 
plication could have been equally so ; and he then ap- 
pealed to the patient and his friends for an acknow- 
ledgment that the disease was cured from that time. 
Mottet spoke English imperfectly, and pretended to 
mistake the meaning of words both in the accusation 
and defence. He very gravely assured the court that 
the charge of "sault and batter" was altogether unfound- 
ed — that it was for a cook to use salt and batter — he 
was a physician, and was indignant at the imputation. 
The whole court was convulsed with laughter, and the 
doctor got off with one shilling damages. 

Mottet having thus triumphed, sent in his bill to the 
young man for " medical treatment in his intermitting 
fever," and his patient paid it rather than encounter 
a second time the shouts of laughter from a court and 

Mottet removed from the country to Charleston, and 
there practised physic about the year 1756. In 1769, 
he was still in practice and attended my father, in an 
attack of acute rheumatism. After other medicine, he 
administered a dose of laudanum dropped from a small 
phial, which he left on the mantelpiece. My father 
awoke in the night much relieved, but not entirely. 
He knew that the relief had been derived from that 
little phial within his reach, and concluded, if a little 
had done so much good, that more would cure him. 
He accordingly poured some of it into a wine-glass of 
water, probably with a heavy hand, took it, and did not 
awake until called upon the next day, by the doctor. 
Mottet looked upon the patient, still asleep, then at 
the phial of laudanum, and missed a large portion of 
what he had left in it. He awoke my father, and being 
told how well he felt from the second dose, he stamped 



238 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

and swore — cursed my father according to custom, took 
the laudanum and left the house. 

Mottet was jealous of the well merited celebrity of 
Dr. Alexander Garden, and having been told that the 
doctor had been complimented by Linneus, in calling 
a very beautiful plant " Gardenia," — he said that was 
nothing; that he had discovered a very beautiful native 
plant, and had named it " Lucia," after his cook "Lucy." 
He did not advert to the difference between Mottet and 
Linneus. 

In 1'7'74, the name of Br. Lewis Mottet is still seen 
among the residents of Charleston, and there he pro- 
bably died soon after. His co-partnership with Dr. 
Savage expired in October, of that year. 



SIEGE OF SAVANNAH. 



After Provost's invasion, the British were not entire- 
ly driven from South-Carolina ; they still held posses- 
sion of Beaufort, with one regiment, under Colonel 
Maitland; they also still held Savannah and the great- 
er part of Georgia. Count D'Estaing arrived, for the 
purpose of re-conquering it with his navy and army. 
The Carolinians flew to his aid and support. Major 
Thomas Pinckney accompanied him by request, told 
him of this regiment in Beaufort, and the ease with 
which it might be cut off, and prevented from joining 
the army in Savannah ; but the Count was too great a 
man in court, in camp and at sea, to take advice from 
any one ; he was too sure of success. Four days after 
they landed at Savannah, he first sent a flag of truce, 
demanding the surrender of the post and garrison to 
the army of Jiis most Christian Majesty. The Ameri- 
can interests were probably too insignificant to be in- 
cluded in his vast calculations. The British asked for 
one day to consider of the demand. It was granted ; 
and five days were thus given to the British for strength- 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 239 

ening their defences. Colonel Maitland in the mean- 
time reached Savannah with his regiment, and then the 
British refused to surrender. Had the French marched 
into Savannah when they first landed, there would have 
been little or no resistance — had they immediately as- 
sailed the British intrenchments, when the surrender 
was refused, they could have been carried with ease 
and but little loss. But the Count concluded to give 
them a month for the completion of their fortifications, 
then attempted to storm them, and was shamefully 
beaten. The whole was miserably conducted and ar- 
ranged. One instance of this kind was told to me by 
a gentleman who was present on that occasion. At 
that time seniority in the date of a captain's commis- 
sion gave him a right to place his company in a posi- 
tion suited to his rank — not excepting the casual de- 
rangements which may occur in the evolutions of an 
army in a battle field. On this occasion, an ofiicer dis- 
covered that he was out of place, and demanded his 
right to seek and to take it. His doing so delayed the 
attack until he had passed in front of the w^hole line 
with his drum and fife, while the British kept up a hot 
fire, not only on this company, but on the whole line 
of that division.* The Americans fought with great 
bravery, and their flag was planted on the British pa- 
rapet, but so great was the destruction from their cross 
fire, that the flag was with great difficulty withdrawn 
and saved. The French also, headed by Count D'Es- 
taing, made a gallant attack, but were repulsed, and re- 
treated in great confusion — the Count having received 
two wounds. Pulaski seeing this, left the head of his 
o fvn brigade, to try and rally the French troops, in 
which fruitless attempt, being much exposed on horse- 
back, he received his death- wound. 

* This silly point of honor was overruled in the French revolution. 



240 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 



COUNT CASIMER PULASKI. 

Count Casimer Pulaski was tlie second son of an an- 
cient and distinguislied family of nobles in Lithuania, in 
Poland. By education lie was intended for the profes- 
sion of law. The kings of Poland had, for many hun- 
dred years, been elected by the noljility of that kingdom, 
convened for the especial purpose. The crowned heads 
of Europe took a lively interest in all such elections, 
as the result might affect the peace and welfare of the 
neighboring kingdoms, according to the preponderance 
of their own, with the conflicting intrigues of other na- 
tions. Many of the Polish nobility were poor and pro- 
verbially venal ; the influence of money was therefore 
urged with great liberality and effect on men, who from 
the force of example, were subject to its influence, al- 
though brave and patriotic. Education and example 
have a direful influence iri corrupting a nation, even to 
its downfall and ruin. 

In the year 1768, the crown of Poland became vacant 
l)y the death of Augustus IL, and in the choice of a 
successor, the family of Pulaski, joined with a number 
of the most respectable, in endeavoring to promote the 
election of Prince Czartoryski to the throne. In fur- 
therance of their views, it was deemed necessary to so- 
licit the patronage of their great neighbor, Catharine IL 
of Russia, and the young Stanislaus Poniatowski was 
selected for the mission. Catharine possessed great 
judgment in i:>ersonal merit as well as in her political 
relations. She not only adopted the gallant young 
Stanislaus as a favorite, but determined to make him 
the king of Poland instead of Czartoryski, whose elec- 
tion he was pledged to promote. On the election of 
Stanislaus, great displeasure was expressed at his breach 
of faith, and much irritation exhibited at the increased 
influence of Pussia, over the interests and administra- 
tion of Poland. A party was formed to overturn this 
influence, and by rebelling against Stanislaus, actually 
to resist the whole Russian empire. A meeting was 



THE AMEBIC AN EEVOLUTION. 241 

convened at Bar, a small but well fortified town in Po- 
dolia, and a confederation signed at first by only ten 
noblemen, of whom four were Pulaskies : the old Count, 
his two sons and a nephew. This number was subse- 
quently increased by malcontents in different parts of 
Poland, and was called "the confederation of Bar." 
Among the most active of these was Count Benyowsky, 
a relative and friend of Pulaski. From some precipi- 
tancy or imprudence, the rebellion broke out prema- 
turely, in a remote part of the kingdom, where the 
confederates could not assemble with their adherents. 
A desultory warfare ensued, in which the old Count 
Pulaski was imprisoned, and probably put to death. 
Many desperate acts of bravery were performed, but 
no advantage gained, the head being cut off, there was 
no regular plan for co-operation. Count Casimer Pu- 
laski was elected Commander-in-chief, but was not able 
to collect a competent force. In 1771, they concerted 
the plan for seizing the person of the king, for the pur- 
pose of placing him at the head of their army, and call- 
ing on the nation to rally round him (their king) and 
expel the Russian forces. Forty of them bound them 
selves by oath, to execute this daring project. Pulas- 
ki and his associates entered Warsaw disguised as pea- 
sants, and concealed their arms and accoutrements 
under hay, in market carts. They attacked the king, in 
his carriage, surrounded by his body guard, with wJiom 
they had a smart skirmish, the pistol balls flying like 
hail, in the midst of a crowded street, of that large and 
populous capital. Some were killed on both sides, but 
in the confusion the kins^ was forced out of his carriasfe. 
With only a slight wound in his head, and carried out 
of Warsaw, by Pulaski and a few of his companions. 
They avoided the most direct high roads to their camp, 
for fear of falling in with the patrols, or other bodies of 
the military — were lost among the enclosures, and at 
daylight were but a short distance from Warsaw. In- 
stei*d of being more vigilant and united, they now 
began to separate to escape observation and arrest. 
Pulaski left them, and finally the king was left with 

16 



242 TEADITIONS AND REAHNLSCENCES OF 

but one man, wlio was induced by bribery and persua- 
sion to let liim return to his Capital. 

Pulaski's little army was, during the next year, totally 
routed and dispersed by superior numbers, and he, 
though vanquished, unsubdued retired to Turky, aiding 
the Turks in their war against Russia. By the treaty of 
peace, between these two powers, in 17 74, he was again 
out of " occupation," and going to Paris, was introduced 
to Dr. Franklin. His estates having been confiscated, 
by the Russian faction, himself degraded, outlawed and 
condemned to death, he had no longer any ties in 
Europe. He attached himself to the cause of American 
liberty, and arrived in Philadelphia, in 1777. Here he 
tendered his services and was accepted, but probably 
not at first commissioned. He joined the army under 
General Washington, and was with him in the battle 
of Brandywine. Here when the right wing of the 
American army was turned by the enemy, and the 
centre about to retreat, Pulaski at the head of thirty 
horsemen, charged the enemy's advance and checked 
their progress. He also rallied a few others in the re- 
treat, and by a seasonable attack on the enemy's right 
flank, saved the baggage, which would have other- 
wise fallen into their hands. After this battle, 
while Washington's army was on the Lancaster road, 
near the Warren Tavern, Pulaski's vigilance saved 
it from surprise. He was out with a reconnoiteriug 
party, and saw the whole British army advancing to 
attack the Americans. He immediately retreated and 
informed the Commander-in-chief. General Scott, of 
Virginia, was ordered to take three hunch'ed Infan- 
try and advance with Pulaski's cavalry, to attack and 
detain the enemy in their approach, until Washington 
could be ready for action. When this advanced party 
was ready to engage the enemy, a violent storm of 
wind and rain fell on botli armies, and prevented the 
battle. Pulaski was also in the battle of Germantowu, 
but on the authoiity of General C. C. Pinckney, we 
learn that here he reaped no laurels. General Pinck- 
ney was then aid to General Washington, and says that 



THE AMEBIC AN EEVOLUTION. 243 

Pulaski was ordered out with his horse, by the com- 
mander, to patrol the roads, and report the enemy's 
advance — but they passed him while he was asleep at 
a small house on the road, and Washington was embar- 
rassed by their approach. General Pinckney 'ascribed 
the failure of Washington in this attack chiefly to Pu- 
laski's want of vigilance.* 

In March, 1778, Congress by resolution, empowered 
Count Pulaski to raise and take the command of an 
independent corps of horse and foot. Soon after his 
enlistment of these men, the legion repaired to New 
Jersey, and were ordered to little Egg Harbor, with 
a field-piece fi'om Colonel Proctor's Regiment of Artil- 
lery, to defend that place from an expected attack by 
the British ; but by the treachery of a deserter, they 
were surprised, and lost their Lieutenant Colonel Baron 
DeBotzen. 

Copy of a letter from Count Casimer Pulaski, to 
Colonel Henry Laurens, President of Congress, received 
July 5th, 1778 : 

" I hasten to thank you for the remembrance with which you have 
lionored me. I received your letter by an officer, and am sorry to 
appear, at present, backward in mihtary operations. It is my wish tc 
be ready and active, and to show all my zeal for the service of the 
United States. I believe that this campaign will be very instructive. 
The enemy may make different movements on the left ; they wish to 
engage us in a general battle, but our interest is to avoid it, and not 
abandon to the fortune of war the interests which, being already on a 
solid footing, may be reversed. You know that there are some reverses 
of fortune, and the battle being lost, the conquest of all the Jerseys 
may follow. Philadelphia may be re-taken and Xew-Jersey re-occupied, 
and the junction with New-York cannot then be avoided. 

It may be that General Clinton will not be so active, but it is certain 
that the English must risk every thing for the present, or entirely aban- 
don America. I believe it then necessary that our great object should 
be, not to risk every thing on the fate of one general engagement, 
but, by many detachments, observe the movements of the enemy, dis- 
concert them whenever possible, cut oif their divisions at favorable 
opportunities, rather than to attack them with our whole army. 

My ])lan would be to send, with all haste, the best engineers to fortify 
anew the forts which are at present destroyed ; to throw forces into 
them ; construct chevaux defrise, and in such quantity that they would 

* See Johnson's Life of Greene, vol. i. p. 83. 



244 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

better obstruct the approach of the EngHsh fleet. Otherwise, it might 
happen that the enemy having succeeded in Jersey, will re-take Phila- 
delphia, establish their posts in detached places, so well fortified, as to 
resist our most vigorous attacks. 

I could not finish my arguments, as I wish to explain myself more 
fully on these subjects. I know the prudence of our general, and doubt 
not that he will do all for the best. Present to him my respects, and 
believe that I am ever his. 

I beg, as a favor, that you will let me know if you in Congress are 
preparing for the conflict. I shall arrive with all despatch, and though, 
perhaps, with a small force, I may not be useless. Adieu. 
Very truly, your friend and servant. 

C. PULASKI. 

My compliments to the General Marquis De LaFayette, Baron De 
Steuben, and to all the family of the general. You may say to the 
Marquis De LaFayette that I have written twice to him, without having 
received an answer." 





In February, IT 7 9, Pulaski was ordered to Soutli- 
Carolina, to place himself under tlie command of Gene- 
ral Lincoln. He arrived in Charleston on the 11th 
May, 1779, having crossed over Cooper river, from the 
east, about the same time that Provost crossed Ashley 
river, from the west. An attack on the British was 
immediately concerted, which, without him, would cer- 
tainly not have been made. In this very gallant attack 
on the British advance, he had personally several en- 
counters with individuals of the enemy, and was always 
the victor. His next in command. Colonel Kowaltz, 
was not so fortunate. Having been bravely engaged 
with the enemy, he was severely wounded, and, in the 
retreat, fell from his horse in the road. The British 
buried him where he fell, on the west side of the I'oad, 
in land now owned and enclosed by John Margart, at 



THE AMERICAN REyOLUTION. 245 

the corner of Huger street. He was an officer of great 
merit and experience, a Hungarian by birtli, and had 
been a colonel of hussars, under Frederick the Great, 
from whom he received the Cross of Merit. Pulaski 
continued actively employed under General Lincoln, 
until the 9th October, 1YT9, when, with the whole 
command of General Lincoln, they joined Count D'Es- 
taing, in the attempt to take Savannah. During the 
first four weeks of unprofitable blockade and siege, he 
was indefatigable in the execution of every duty as- 
signed to him, but, in his last disastrous fight, when 
the combined assault upon the fortifications was ordered, 
he with his command of cavalry, both French and 
American, were a corps de reserve^ with orders to charge 
into the gate of the entrenchments, as soon as they had 
been entered by the assailants. Finding that D'Estaing 
was wounded, and the French troops repulsed, Pulaski, 
with one or two of his officers, galloped up to them, to 
rally and lead them back to the British lines. Being 
thus exposed on horseback, he became the target for 
every marksman, and sacrificed his life, by fruitless and 
unnecessary exposure. In endeavoring to lead the 
French division back to the assault, he was struck on 
the upper part of his right thigh, by the ball of a 
swivel, and removed to the United States brig Wasp. 
A mortification ensued ; he died on board, and his 
honored remains were committed to the deep.* 

When the news reached Charleston, universal sorrow 
pervaded the community. A day was set apart for 
the solemnization of his funeral rites, and the proces*- 
sion, composed of all the citizens, in common with his 
military comrades, moved forward, with the solemn 

* Another report of bis interment has lately been received from my 
friend, I. K. Tefft, of Savannah : 

" Charles Litomisky, a Polander, said that he was at the siege of 
Savannah, as aid-de-camp to General Count Pulaski, and had the con- 
soling satisfaction of supporting this hero in the struggles of death, and 
that he assisted in consigning his mortal remains to its kindred earth, 
under a large tree, about fifty miles from Savannah, upon the bank of a 
creek leading from Savannah to Charleston." I believe this statement 
to be connect. 



246 TEADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

dirge of a military band, to St. Micliael's Churcli, wliere 
the service was read, and an eloquent and impressive 
discourse delivered by tlie chaplain. 

Congress, also, voted a monument to his memory, 
and the grateful — the generous citizens of Savannah, 
have erected a memorial of this gallant soldier, be- 
stowing due honor on the dead, and reflecting credit on 
their own taste and liberality. 

Dr. P. Fayssoux, surgeon-general of the State of 
South-Carolina, told me that Pulaski had the consola- 
tion of being attended, in his last hours, by a country- 
j2ian — a relative, a friend- — a brother confederate in the 
cause of their native country. Count Benyowsky had 
been captured by the Kussians, and exiled to Siberia^ 
even to its utmost verge-^to Kamscatka. Here his 
adventurous genius found means of effecting his escape, 
by seizing a public armed vessel. In it, he arrived 
safely in China, and availed himself of various oppor- 
tunities for reaching France, from whence he proceeded 
in search of Pulaski. He was recognised by the dying 
hero, officiated as his relative, chief mourner and heir, 
and departed, in search of other adventures in the 
Island of Madagascar. 

Count D'Estaing had under his command twenty 
sail of the line, two fifty gun ships, and eleven frigates, 
containing two thousand five hundred well appointed 
and well disciplined French troops ; a force more than 
sufficient to have captured the whole of that division 
of the British army, and preserved the three Southern 
States from incalculable sufferings ; and possibly to 
have put an end to the war. In the attempt on Savan- 
nah, as in the previous attempt on Rhode Island, D'Es- 
taing's mismanagement was the source of failure, and 
of great injury to the American cause. 



SIEGE OF CHARLESTON. 



Having l)een twice repulsed from Charleston, the 
next attempt made by the British, was early in the 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. 247 

year 1780, after tlie most ample preparations and 
equipments, both for tlie sea and land service. They 
landed in Edisto Inlet, on the 11th February, 1780, 
advanced slowly and cautiously, entrenching them- 
selves at various stations, and showing that their pre- 
vious conflicts with the Carolinians had impressed them 
with respect, if not with a fear of future results. Al- 
though the distance was only about thirty miles from 
Charleston, it was nearly six weeks before they ap- 
peared in front of the lines. Scarcely had they ap- 
peared on Charleston Neck, when they were assailed 
by a sortie, under Colonel John Laurens, who com- 
manded a corps of light infantry, and the necessity 
enforced for continued care and precaution; but in 
this, Captain Bowman was killed, and Major Heme, so 
wounded, that he died, in consequence of it, in 1783. 
On the 3d of April, Sir Henry Clinton commenced 
the construction of his batteries, and advanced with 
great circumspection, to form them in three parallels. 
His first battery was constructed on the extreme right 
of our lines, as nearly as possible on the south-east 
part of the old race course, where the nine pin alley 
and club house kitchen are now erected. Scarcely 
were the guns mounted, when they were attacked in 
their shelter by a detachment, under Lieutenant Colo- 
nel Henderson, the fort carried at the point of the 
bayonet, the guns spiked, and the victorious party 
returned to their quarters. In this sortie. Captain 
Moultrie, brother of the general, was killed. But the 
relative weakness of the garrison, compared with the 
overwhelming numbers of the British army, prevented 
further instances of partizan warfare, and confined the 
siege to the tremendous cannonade that was kept up 
day and night.* The Americans had a deep water 

* On the 9tli of April, Admiral Arbuthnot, taking advantage of a 
strong southerly wind and flood tide, left his anchorage in Five Fathom 
Hole, and passed Fort Moultrie, without stopping to engage it. Colo- 
nel C. C. Pinckney, who commanded at that post, kept up a fire on the 
British ships, by which twenty-seven of their men were killed, and 
considerable injury sustained in their hulls and rigging. One of their 



248 TKADITIONS AND REMIKISCENCES OF 

ditcli in front of their lines, extending quite across the 
neck, which, on the east side of King street, was a lit- 
tle to the north of Mr. Joseph Manigault's house, and 
was confined by an embankment, north of the house 
built by the late Colonel Vanderhorst, and now owned 
by Mr. C. Heyward. 

This embankment was guarded by a battery, con- 
structed on that lot, and at night, fire balls were 
thrown to the opposite end of that bank, where Mr. 
J. L. No well lives, to show if any attempt was made to 
cut it, and let ofi:* the water. On one unhappy occa- 
sion, the combustible did not fit the mortar, from 
which it was to be thrown. Being too small for the 
mortar, it was thrown on one side, and fell in the bat- 
tery intended for the defence of the causeway. Here 
it set fire to sorbe cartridges, and their explosion fired 
a cannon pointed to the place where the engineer, Cap- 
tain John Gilbank, had stationed himself, for the pur- 
pose of inspecting the proceedings of the enemy, when 
the fire ball should fall among them. The most valua- 
ble engineer in the garrison was thus killed, on the 
10th of April, by the accidental discharge of this can- 
non ; and, in a few days after, the water was all drained 
off, by sapping or drawing it off under ground. The 
south bank of this water ditch, now afforded the most 
perfect shelter for the British infantry, and among 
them, to a body of German riflemen, called jagers, (pro- 
nounced yagirs,) enlisted among the Tyrolese and hun- 
ters of the Alps, who kept up a constant and most 
galling fire, from twenty-five to fifty yards distant 
from the American lines. Under the cover of this 
fire, Sir Henry Clinton advanced his third line, by con- 
structing a battery, wdthin point blank shot, about 
three hundred yards oft", on the lot in Mary street, 
formerly used as the lower rail-road depository, and 

transports ran aground neat Haddrell's Point, (now called Moimt I'lea- 
sant) and being attacked by General Gadsden, with two field pieces, 
her crew set her on fire, and escaped in their boats. 



THE AMEEICAN EEVOLUTIOF. 249 

long known as tlie fresli water pond. A young man 
was seen to step out, in open day, on this ground, with 
his instruments, tapes and stakes, measuring and mark- 
ing out the plan of the fort, with the most perfect 
coolness and precision ; staking the angles, and fixing 
his tapes to guide the fatigue parties in its construc- 
tion. The Americans brought all their guns to bear 
upon this young ofiicer, and kept up a constant fire of 
round and grape, to no purpose ; he had a charmed 
life, and escaped unhurt. That young man, I have 
been told, was the father of the late Major John Wil- 
son, and nephew of old Dr. Robert Wilson. He mar- 
ried a daughter of Dr. Wilson, while the British were 
in possession of Charleston, went with them when they 
left it, and resided with his family in Scotland, where 
Major Wilson was born. He was second only to 
Major Moncrief, in the corps of engineers. 

The battery thus laid out, was so far completed in 
one night, that cannon were mounted on it the next 
morning. The Americans directed their cannon at it, 
and before night it was in ruins. It was again repaired, 
strengthened and enlarged, and successively demolished 
and re-built, to the end of the siege. The force of the 
British being much greater than that of the Ameri- 
cans, they supported this advanced line with all their 
power. On this point depended the success of the siege ; 
the British maintained their position, and Charleston 
fell. 

It may be recollected by some, that the lines which 
thus defended Charleston, were on that ridge of land 
where St. Paul's Church, the Orphan House, the 
Citadel and the Second Presbyterian Church now 
stand, extending to the river on both sides. On each 
side of King street, there was a strong elevated fortress 
or citadel, faced with tapia or tabby, a remnant of 
which is still visible on the east side of it, about forty 
yards from the street, on a vacant lot, between the 
picket guard-house and Dr. Boylston's, owned by Mr. 
Mordecai Cohen. These were called the horn works ; 



250 TEADITIONS AND EEMIISriSCENCES OF 

tliis was the post of honor.* The defence of these 
horn works, at the city gates, was granted to the 
Charleston battalion of artillery, and they well sus- 
tained the reputation previously acquired. The enemy 
threw their shot, occasionally, in every direction about 
the city ; and one, from what was called the water- 
melon battery, on James Island, ranged up Meeting 
street, struck Pitt's statue, at the intersection of Broad 
and Meeting street, and broke off his left arm, on the 
16th April. This beautiful specimen of statuary had 
been erected by the Legislature of this (then) Pro- 
vince, previously to the revolution, to commemorate 
the brilliant defence of American rights, by William 
Pitt, afterwards Lord Chatham, and his agency in 
effecting the repeal of the stamp act. It was after- 
wards very properly considered an obstruction, in the 
two most frequented streets of the city. The city 
council, therefore, ordered it to be removed, but made 
no provision for its preservation and erection elsewhere. 
This was about the period of anarchy in the French 
revolution, when the records and memorials of tlieir 
own history were destroyed, and the guillotine was a 
familiar topic of conversation and jest. The workmen 
employed to remove the statue, did it in the easiest 
way for themselves. With a rope or tackle, they 
dragged it down from its pedestal, and in its fall, the 
head was broken oft'. The thoughtless crowd shouted 
that old Pitt was guillotined, and the fragments were 
stowed away in some of the public buildings. After 
the lapse of several years, the commissioners of the 
Orphan House had them collected, and erected within 
the area, and in front of that institution ; the original 
marble tablet having been preserved by Judge Grimke. 

* My father often spoke of the late Mr. Nathaniel Heyward, then 
a stripling, assisting at this station, in all the light duties of his bro- 
ther's company ; in patrol and sentinel duty, &e. Mr. Heyward not 
only confirms this, but remembers handing cartridges to my father, 
■while working the cannon. Mr. Heyward lived until April, 1851 ; pro- 
bably the only survivor, previous to that date, of all who bore arms in 
the siesfe of Charleston. 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. 251 

The enemy likewise threw bomb shells, carcases and 
fire balls, from their mortar batteries, which set fire to 
houses in diiferent parts of the city. Much property 
was destroyed, houses were burnt, and lives of the 
inhabitants lost. The carcase is so called, from its 
being made of iron hoops, so arranged as to be round 
and capable of confining the combustibles intended to 
set fire to houses at a distance. It is as large as a 
bomb shell, and like it is thrown from a mortar, and 
kindled in the discharge. As it does not explode like 
a shell, it is ingeniously contrived to do as much mis- 
chief as possible, and prevent attempts to extinguish 
its fires. Pistol barrels, loaded with balls, are secured 
to this frame of iron hoops, so as to point outwards 
from every part of it. The combustibles, in burning, 
fire the pistols, and the unwary surrounding crowd 
are often wounded or killed by their discharge. 

The fire department of that day was fully organised, 
and furnished with engines, buckets, &c. At each 
alarm ^ of fire, they turned out actively, and crowded 
round 'the flames, to extinguish them, or prevent their 
extension. On all such occasions the British increased 
their fire, directing balls at the smoke to annoy or kill 
the firemen, and throwing other carcases and bomb 
shells into difl^erent parts of the city. The fire mas- 
ters would order the engines each to its station, but as 
soon as a lane was formed for the supply of water, a 
ball would rake it, or the explosion of a shell scatter 
the parties engaged. While zealously engaged in 
arresting the progress of fire in one place, a new alarm 
would be sounded in another ; and before they could 
reach that, their attention was distracted by a cry of 
fire ! fire ! fire ! from a third and more distant part of 
the city. 

The shells were also very liberally thrown, and well 
directed against those engaged in defending the front 
lines. Among others, one fell at the gun where my 
father was stationed, and a large fragment from the 
explosion struck William Griffin, one of his comrades, 
on his back, between his shoulder blades, wounding 



252 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

liim very severely. Anotlier shell fell among the con- 
tinental artillery, with its fuse, fuming and hissing 
threats of instant destruction. A Frenchman, who 
belonged to the nearest gun, cried out, " for vat you 
come here to smoke your pipe ?" and cursing it, threw 
it over the breast-work into the ditch, where it imme- 
diately exploded, without injury. 

The families which remained in Charleston, amidst 
these exciting and alarming scenes of danger, removed 
generally into their cellars and places of this kind, for 
safety, and were generally safe ; but about twenty of 
them were killed. One family lived in obscurity and 
poverty, in a small house, much exposed ; which, from 
description, I believe to be the small old brick house. 
No. 77, on the south side of Boundary-street, midway 
between King and Meeting. The father of this family 
was serving his country at his post on the lines, and 
had obtained leave of absence to visit them. He had 
just entered his home, and was then actually embraced 
by his wife, when a ball entered the house, and killed 
them both at the same instant. This occurred on the 
17th April. 

" When more unwillirig -would they yield their breath ? 
Yet how could heaven bestow a happier death ?" 

Let us suppose this poor man to have been long 
estranged from his domestic endearments, by the en- 
grossing cares and duties of a soldier ; that his children 
had clustered around him to share his smiles and ca- 
resses ; that he had raised one in his arms, while an- 
other " ran to lisp the sirens return ;" his affectionate 
wife hastens at the call, regardless of cares, wants and 
dangers, and, on the family hearth, surrounded by her 
children, while pressed to the ])osom of her husband, 
is swept away with him into eternity, without a sigh — 
without a pang — without a struggle ! 

Our sympathies are excited by Ariosto's death of the 
Duke La Brett and his lady, by one thrust of a sword ; 
by Sterne's affecting story of poor La Fever's wife, 
killed " in his arms, under circumstances which caused 



THE AMEEICAlSr EEVOLUTION. 253 

the whole army to feel for him." The beautiful mo- 
nody, by Dr. Darwin, on the death of Eliza, a lady 
accidentally killed at the battle of Minden, is familiar 
to the feelings of us all ; and the parallel case — the 
death of two lovers, transfixed by the same spear — so 
poetically fancied and depicted by the beautiful verses 
of Dr. Dwight, has caused many a tear to flow in sym- 
pathy at their supposed fate ; while the real death of 
this unfortunate couple, are not recorded by the histo- 
rian ; their very names are forgotten. 

Among the incidents of this siege, may be recorded 

the fate of • Sawyer. He was said to have been a 

very handsome, genteel young man, apparently a model 
for patriotism and courage. He had recently married 
a young lady of one of the most respectable families 
in the State ; one of the most decided in opposition to 
royalty. Her brother held a commission in the regu- 
lar troops of the State, and had distinguished himself 
at Sullivan's Island and elsewhere. Notwithstanding 
the showy exterior and deportment of Sawyer, he 
could not stand fire. Early in the siege, he deserted 
his post of honor and of duty on the lines, and went 
home to his wife. There he met with no encourage- 
ment, but was told to return to his station and act as 
became a man, and redeem his character, before he 
could again see her. He did return, surrendered him- 
self to his commanding officer, was treated with mode- 
ration, and offered another trial to redeem his credit. 
He could now bear the roar of the cannon, and the 
dangers of battle, but he could not bear to be pointed 
at by the finger of scorn and derision ; he could not 
bear the bitter gibes and sarcastic sneers of his com- 
rades and others. He again left the platform, and 
went on board of one of the armed vessels in the port, 
where he probably met with the same treatment, and 
eventually cut his throat. 

" When all the blandishments of life are gone, 
The coward sneaks to death, — the brave live on." 



254 TRADITIONS AND KEMINISCEISrCES OF 

During the siege, my father was stationed, as before 
mentioned, with Captain Heyward's company of artil- 
lery, on the right horn work, as nearly as 250ssil>le at 
the place where the remains of the tapia facing is still 
visible, on the lot next south of Dr. Boylston's garden. 
They had charge of two guns, — one a brass twelve 
pounder, the other an iron French twenty-four pounder. 
Finding that the latter did not hold the priming well, 
he asked leave of absence, that he might bring the 
tools for making the pan wider, deeper and more con- 
venient, and he did so. The gun was of course taken 
away by the British, when they evacuated Charleston, 
and the circumstance was forgotten. When our diffi- 
culties arose with France, during the presidency of Mr. 
John Adams, the country was armed for defence on 
land, and for reprisals at sea. A number of heavy 
cannon were purchased by the American government, 
in Nova Scotia, to be mounted on our forts. Among 
those sent to Charleston, my father recognised his old 
acquaintance, the twenty-four pounder, by the groove, 
made by his own hand and cold chisel, round the touch- 
hole of the a'un. 



FOUDROYANT. 

The twenty-four pounders, of which this was one, 
may be more worthy of notice on another account. 
They were the guns mounted on the French line of 
battle ship Foudroyant, commanded by Admiral Ga- 
lessonier, about the year 1756, and believed to have 
been the heaviest armed ship then in the world. It 
was for avoiding an engagement witli this ship, that 
Admiral Byng, when ordered by the British ministry 
to raise the siege of Fort St. Philip, in Minorca, was 
arrested, tried, convicted, and executed for cowardice. 
Captain Gardner was the captain of Byng's line of 
battle ship Eamilies, and, during the trial, severe re- 
flections were cast on him, although immediately sub- 
ject to the orders of his admii'al. Burning to Avipe off 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. 255 

the imputation from his character, Captain Gardner 
fell in with the Foudroyant, two years after that event, 
off the coast of Nova Scotia. Although in the com- 
mand of the Monmouth, of only sixty-four guns, and 
hrving twenty-six guns less than the Ramilies, he im- 
mediately bore down on the Foudroyant, engaged and 
captured her, but lost his own life in the action. The 
Foudroyant, which had been represented by Byng's 
advocates, as capable of blowing the Ramilies, a ninety 
gun ship, out of the water, was thus eaptured by a 
sixty-four gun ship, and the propriety of executing 
Admiral Byng established. 

In this visit of my father to the city, above alluded 
to, he called to see a sick friend, Stephen Shrews- 
berry, at the house of his brother, Edward Shrews- 
berry, in the same neighborhood. There he saw a 
stranger, dressed in homespun, asked Edward Shrews- 
berry who that was, and was told by him that the 
stranger was a back countryman, who had brought 
down cattle for the garrison, to the opposite side of the 
river. This answer being prompt and plausible, 'no- 
thing more was thought of the circumstance. About 
eighteen mouths after this, when my father, having 
been exchanged, had returned from his confinement in 
St. Augustine, met his friend, Stephen Shrewsberry, 
in Philadelphia. This was shortly after the discovery 
of Arnold's treason, and the execution of Major Andre. 
It was impressed on my memory, while a child, by 
then seeing, on the back of an almanac, Arnold's pic- 
ture represented with a double face, and the devil 
standing at his elbow, tempting him with a purse of 
gold in one hand, while he brandished in the other a 
threatening dart. 

In this interview with Stephen Shrewsberry, he 
asked my father if he remembered calling to see him, 
when sick, during the siege, and having seen at his 
brother's house a man dressed in homespun. This 
being perfectly remembered, he went on to say that it 
was Major Andre, in disguise, and that his brother, 
Edward, had confessed the fact to him, but said that 



256 TRADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

he had been deceived. Thus, it appears that Andre, 
however fascinating by his talents and deportment, 
was not entitled to the commiseration of Americans, 
as an honorable but unfortunate foe. In two instances, 
at least, he acted the part of an insidious spy, corrupt- 
ing and deceiving with falsehoods and mean dissimula- 
tion. He ought to have been hanged in Charleston. 
In Johnson's Life of Greene, vol. i., page 209, in a 
note, we find " it was an universal belief in the British 
army, as in the city of Charleston after its fall, that 
Andre had been in the city in the character of a spy, 
during the siege. There is now living, (1822) in this 
place, a respectable citizen, who acted in the commis- 
sary department in the British army, during and after 
this siege ; and another, of equal respectability, and 
whose means of information were much greater, who 
was in Charleston during the siege, and remained in it 
until the evacuation, who will testify to the truth of 
this assertion. And this opinion is corroborated by 
the following fact : There were two brothers of the 
name of S. S. and E. S., both well known as men of 
property and respectable standing in society. The 
former was, to the last, faithfully devoted to the cause 
of the country, the other was disaffected. During the 
siege, S. S. being taken sick, was permitted to go to 
his brother's house, to be better attended. There he 
was introduced to, and repeatedly saw, a young man 
in a homespun dress, who was introduced to him by 
his brother, as a Virginian, connected with the line of 
that State, then in the city. After the fall of Charles- 
ton, he was introduced to Major Andre at his brother's 
house, and in him recognised the person of the Virgi- 
nian whom he had seen durino: the sie2:e. This he 
communicated to his brother, who acknowledged that 
he was the same^ asserting his own ignorance of it at 
the time. S. S. related these facts to many persons in 
his life-time, and his veracity was unquestionable. An- 
other citizen, W. J., at the time of Andre's capture, a 
prisoner in St. Augustine, also saw the supposed Vir- 
ginian at the house of E. S., while S. S. lay sick, and 



THE AMERIOAN EE VOLUTION. 257 

his recollection of the fact was revived by S. S., after 
he had raade the discovery of his real character. It is 
also known that the life of E. S. was sought after by 
Marion's men, on the charge of treachery." 

The initials only are given by the author, although 
he was personally well acquainted with all the parties. 
He concealed the name of the disaffected, (probably) 
treacherous brother, from a respect for his only child, 
a very amiable, worthy lady, then alive, but who died 
in 1844. None of Edward Shrewsberry's family are 
now living. This lady left no children. There is no 
longer a motive for concealment of the facts and cir- 
cumstances. 

The very house in which Major Andre was secretly 
entertained during the siege of Charleston, may still 
be seen. It was, at that time, and many years after, 
the dwelling of Edward Shrewsberry. It is the brick 
house, now used as a kitchen to the residence of Mr. 
Edmund Bull, No. 134, on the east side of East Bay, 
opposite to the residence of the late General C. C. 
Pinckney. 



PROGRESS OF THE SIEGE. 

We resume our traditions of the sieofe of Charleston. 
The fire from the British redoubts was soon found to 
be much superior to that of the Americans, from their 
greater number of men, mortars and guns ; but more 
especially from the great superiority of their engineers, 
particularly of Major Moncrief, who was considered 
at the head of his profession. The British had twenty- 
one mortars and royals ; the Americans had but two, 
and were soon reduced to one. The Americans had 
but two engineers, and the best of these was unfortu- 
nately killed. The British cannon soon demolished 
most of the embrasures to the fortifications, so that the 
besieged could not avail themselves of the usual shel- 
ter while working their guns. Many of them had 
burst, particularly all those taken from the wreck of 
17 



258 TEADITIONS AND EEMLNISCENCES OF 

the Acteon frigate, and had done more injury to the 
Americans than to the British. Sand bags were piled 
unceasingly, but they were as rapidly swept away by 
the British cannon ; and in the midst of these deadly 
contests, would be heard the frequent alarms of fire ! 
fire ! fire ! kindled by the shells and carcasses of the 
enemy, lodging in the houses of those at the lines. 
Colonel John Laurens was stationed in front of the 
horn works, with his light infantry. Seeing the ex- 
posed situation of those on the platform, he came to 
them, and asked what he could do for their greater 
security. My father suggested that fascines might be 
useful, but, with the doubt of their being had in the 
beleaguered city. Colonel J. Laurens immediately 
acted on the suggestion. His father, Henry Laurens, 
had probably the finest and largest garden in the 
State, filled with choice exotics, and other elegant 
shrubbery. Even this paradise could not escape '' the 
ruthless waste of war." Even this, the favorite resort 
and recreation of a much honored father, was, in part, 
demolished by the son, in obedience to the calls of 
patriotism. He and his light infantry prepared and 
brought the fascines, composed of such shrubbery, to 
the lines, and repaired the breaches in the fortifica- 
tions, where most required, and then resumed their 
post of danger. 



SURRENDER OF FORT MOULTRIE. 

After the British fleet, under Admiral Arbuthnot, 
had passed this fort. Colonel Pinckney, with the 
greater part of its garrison, was ordered over as a re- 
inforcement to the town. Lieutenant Colonel Scott, of 
South-Carolina, commanded the feeble remnant, and, 
on being summoned to surrender, he did so on the fol- 
lowing terms : 

Articles of capitulation agreed on, between Captain 
Charles Hudson, of his Britannic majesty's navy, and 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 259 

Lieutenant Colonel Scott, commandant of Fort Moul- 
trie, on the surrender of that fort. May Hh, 1780. 

1st. That the troops in garrison be allowed to march out with the 
usual honors of war. Granted, and to pile their arms outside of the 
gate. 

2d. That all the officers in garrison, as well continental as militia, 
and the non-commissioned officers and privates of the militia, shall be 
considered as prisoners of war, at large, on parole, until exchanged, and 
be allowed, in the meantime, to reside with their families and friends. 
Granted ; but none to enter Charleston 'till after the siege. 

3d. The continental and militia officers be allowed to wear their side 
arms. Granted. 

4th. The slaves and other property of every individual in garrison, 
shall be secured to their respective owners ; and all such slaves as are in 
garrison, belonging to persons out, be secured to thejr several owners, 
in such manner as may be agreed upon between Captain Hudson and 
the commanding officer of the fort. 

All property, slaves, &c., to be secured to each individual of the gar^ 
rison. Such as is lodged in the fort for security or otherwise, belong- 
ing to individuals not of the garrison, to be delivered up. 

5th. That the sick have every necessary accommodation, and all the 
continental private soldiers be treated in a humane manner, and not 
rigorously confined. Every humanity shall be shown to sick and well. 

6th. The fort, artillery, arms, ammunition and stores of all kinds, to 
be delivered up to such officers and guards as Captain Hudson shall 
think proper to send for the purpose. 

The garrison to march out of the fort and pile their arms early this 
morning, in front of the British forces, who will be drawn up before the 
entrance of the fort on the occasion. 

(Signed) CHARLES HUDSON. 

WILLIAM SCOTT, 
Lieut. Col. \st Regiment, and Com. of Fort Moultrie. 

Provisions now failed amono" the besieo-ed. A suffi- 
ciency had been provided for the occasion, but the, 
beef and pork had become tainted and unfit for food ; 
the only rations issued at last were rice and sugar. 
Previous to the siege, an abundance of sugar had been 
brought into port in the prizes captured from the West 
India fleets of the enemy, by the public and private 
vessels cruising out of Charleston. At this time, the 
British threw within the lines a bomb shell, which did 
not explode. After due respect had been paid to the 
possibility of its still bursting, it was taken up, exam- 
ined, and found to contain molasses and rice — an evi- 
dent slur at the Yankees and their provisions. The 



260 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

compliment was returned, hj the Americans sending 
Lack the same shell, charged with a supply of sulphur 
and hogs' fat for the Scotch regiments, to cure them of 
the itch. 

At this period of scarcity, Peter Bennett, an old 
soldier, a Frenchman by birth, who had previously 
some experience in sharp sharings, went to the com- 
missary for his rations. Being asked how many rations 
he was to receive — how many were in his mess — he 
replied, " me, Peter Bennett, one Frenchman." The 
commissary then asked, " do you receive rations for 
three persons ?" " If you please, seer," was the ready 
reply, with a polite bow. Three rations were then 
given to him, and he took them very kindly. 

As the distress of the besieged increased from hun- 
ger, exhaustion, watching, wounds, death, and the de- 
struction of property, the fire of their foes increased 
daily, and its effects became more and more destruc- 
tive. Storming the town tvas hourly expected, and 
their only engineer. Colonel Lamey, pronounced the 
lines incapable of defence against such an attack. 
The inhabitants now joined in a petition to General 
Lincoln, that he would capitulate, and a negotiation 
was accordingly opened. The relative duties of the 
civil and military departments of government were, 
unfortunately, not well adjusted or understood in the 
American revolution, as the following paper will show. 
•This letter was certainly never published, and, we be- 
lieve, never presented. The copy, from which this was 
taken, was found among the papers of Mr. Thomas 
Ferguson, a member of the privy council. 

"50 minutes after 9, J/ay 9th, 1180, 
To General Lincoln : 

Sir : — By the favor of Colonel Simmons, at forty 
minutes past 2, P.M., of yesterday, I was informed of your determina- 
tion to send proposals of terms of capitulation to the enemy, and that 
what I had to propose for the citizens, was to be sent to you before four 
o'clock. Antecedent to this information, I did not even know, except 
from common report, that General Clinton had sent in a flag very early 
in the morning, in consequence of which a council of sixty officers 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 261 

Was called, including all the field officers of the militia. Strange that 
I, the supreme magistrate of the State, in town, and, at the head of 
those gentlemen, in their civil capacities, should not have been con- 
sulted at all on so momentous a matter ; and much more strange still, 
when the consultation was so general. As I was acquainted that you 
Were determined to send proposals, I had no time to lose ; I, therefore, 
called a council as expeditiously as possible, and made up the article 
sent you in the best manner I could. What reason may have induced 
you to make proposals, and what they are, I know not ; but my duty 
to my country obliges me to tell you, that I had a right to be con- 
sulted on this occasion, and as I was not, I do solemnly protest against 
such treatment, and send you this to let you know I do so. I should 
have rested much better last night, had I certainly known that the 
enemy had deferred their answer until this morning. 

I am, sir, &c., (fee. 
(Signed) CHRISTOPHER GADSDEN." 

Mr. Ferguson adds: The lieutenant-governor had 
resolved in liis own mind to send the above letter im- 
mediately to the general, but was persuaded by his 
council to delay it, " till the result of the capitulation, 
now on the carpet, should be known. The council 
were unanimously of opinion that such a letter w^as 
extremely proper ; but were apprehensive that it might 
kindle some resentment in General Lincoln, in which 
case he might be less attentive to the interests of the 
citizens in the capitulation. All this was reconciled, 
as General Gadsden, the lieutenant-governor, signed 
the capitulation." 

The town was thus surrendered, after a close siege of 
six weeks. How mutable and precarious is the fortune 
of war ! After this capitulation, it was discovered by 
the Americans, that the British commander, having 
ascertained that a French fleet, under Admiral De 
Tiernay, was on its w^ay for the relief of Charleston — a 
circumstance unknown to the besieged — had called a 
council of War to consider the propriety of raising the 
siege, lest he himself should be taken, or at least lose 
his fleet. It was also ascertained that their conclusion 
to abandon their enterprise, was only prevented by an 
intercepted letter from General Benjamin Smith, bro- 
ther-in-law of Governor Rutledge, addressed to his 



262 TKADITIONS AND KEMINlSCENCES OF 

wife, exposing the exhausted situation of the inhabi- 
tants, and declaring that " in a few days she would 
haer of as complete a Lincoln-ade as ever she had 
heard of a Burgoyne-ade ;" the capture of Burgoyne 
and his army, being so called by the Americans. So 
narrow was the escape of Sir Henry Clinton, on this 
occasion, that the pilot boat, despatched by him to 
New- York, announcing his victory, was taken by the 
tenders of the French fleet, near our bar, and the in- 
formation thus acquired that they had come too late. 
Had the news of this approaching fleet been known to 
General Lincoln, his defence of Charleston would have 
been celebrated as one of the greatest achievements of 
the revolution ; the Southern States would have been 
saved from the unutterable woes which ensued. The 
capture of Sir Henry Clinton, as was the subsequent 
capture of Lord Cornwallis, might have produced the 
early triumphant termination of our revolution ; but 
this glory was reserved for Washington* 



THE AMEEICAN EEVOLUTIOIsr. 263 



CHAPTER VIII. 



Situation of South-Garolina previous to the Fall of Charleston — Conse- 
quences of its Fall — Violation of the terms of its Capitulation by 
the British — Taking Protection — Martial Law — Tradition of the 
Amorys — Explosion of the Magazine — William Williamson — Ma- 
rion and his Men. 

Fkom the commencement of hostilities, in 1775, to 
the siege of Charleston, in 1780, the State of South- 
Carolina appeared to enjoy as great, if not a greater 
degree of prosperity, than in any previous term of five 
years in her history. 

By the foresight and energy of her rulers, the war 
commenced at Lexington, and continued in the North, 
was here prevented, for the first fourteen months, by 
the seizure of all the arms and ammunition, which 
would otherwise have been used against her. During 
this time, the contending armies were engaged in the 
Northern States, and the Southern ports were only 
subject to the annoyance of British cruisers. The 
American armed vessels — private and public — frequent- 
ly sent their prizes into this and other Southern ports, 
and followed them, to share and enjoy the prize money, 
while their vessels were re-fitted for another cruise. 
Many letters of marque, loaded with rice, tobacco and 
indigo, the produce of the country, were sent by the 
merchants to foreign jDorts, and returned with dry 
goods, arms, ammunition, groceries, <fec., &c. 

These frequent arrivals, with their valuable cargoes, 
invited the attention of merchants in all parts of the 
Union. They who resided in sea-ports, sent fast sailing 
vessels, with their produce, for a market in Charleston, 
to return with West India produce and European 
manufactures, which were, occasionally, very abundant 
and cheap in this port. A number of these vessels 



264 TRADITIONS AND EEMESTISCENCES OP 

were taken by the enemy, but others, sent in their 
stead, were more fortunate, and the trade continued, 
subject to the fortune of war* 

The number of strangers who ari'ived in these ves- 
sels, spending lavishly the money which had been ac- 
quired casually in some cases, and bravely won in 
others, contributed largely to the gratification and pro- 
fits of the Carolinians. They did not reflect that these 
profits consisted of paper money, the mere shadow — if 
the representative of gold and silver — a mere promise 
to pay, dependent on contingencies — not the real coin. 
The depreciation of this paper was, at first, slow and 
imperceptible, leading the inhabitants to believe that 
their profits were increasing and their property rising 
in value, but it was subsequently rapid and ruinous to 
many. 

To this increase in commerce was added a great 
increase in the inland trade, by means of boats and 
wagons, bringing down our produce, and taking back 
the goods, groceries, tfec, most wanted by the inhabi- 
tants of South-Carolina and the adjoining States. 

It must not be supposed that such prosperity could 
have been maintained in South-Carolina, during the 
greater part of our revolution, without partaking in 
the dangers and privations of warfare. 

" I would have been ashamed, if Cato's house, 
Had stood alone, and flourished 'midst a civil war." 

The energy and foresight of her rulers, supported 
by the bravery of her citizens, effected, with the bless- 
ings of heaven, the preservation of South-Carolina, 
during five out of seven years. The)' disarmed their 
enemies, by seizing all their arms and ammunition, by 
capturing theii* forts, and forcibly expelling their armed 
vessels from the harbors of Charleston and Savannah ; 
they repulsed the invasion of Sir Henry Clinton and 
Sir Peter Parker, by beating them from Sullivan's 
Island ; they suppressed the ai'nied resistance of the 
royalists, aided by the British, in the upper country ; 
they vanquished the Indian nations, incited and sus- 



THE AMEEICAN REVOLUTION. 265 

tained by the Britisli ; they defended Charleston 
against the attack of Provost ; they fonght the battles 
of Beaufort, Kettle Creek, Briar Creek and Stono; 
they exerted their whole strength in the disastrous 
siege of Savannah, under Count D'Estaing, and only 
failed by his mismanagement ; they defended Charles- 
ton, during a siege of six weeks, against the British 
army and navy, in greater force than ever had been 
united in any other expedition during this war. 

Charleston was subjected to three sieges, during the 
first five years of the revolution. The enemy were re- 
pulsed in the first two, as we have seen ; and the last 
was longer and more obstinately protracted, and more 
bravely defended, than in any, except the strongly 
walled and moated fortresses of Europe. No other 
American city stood a siege by the British troops. 
Boston, Savannah and Augusta, when in possession of 
the British, were besieged by the American forces ; 
but General Washington determined from the first, 
that it was better to abandon the cities to the invaders, 
than to have one of his armies captured. His greatest 
difticulties arose from his want of regulars, and his 
greatest losses of men were sustained in the capture of 
such fortresses. 

By the terms of capitulation, the militia in Charles- 
ton and the inhabitants had a right to remain on parole, 
and keep peaceable possession of their own property, 
until exchanged as prisoners of war. I will not enu- 
merate the vexatious violations of these rights, by the 
construction given to the difterent articles by the Bri- 
tish authorities. The capitulation was not only signed 
by General Lincoln, as the military representative of 
the United States' — the general government — but by 
the lieutenant-governor of the State, General Gadsden, 
who, in the absence of Governor Kutledge, was head 
of the civil authority, represented the State, and in- 
cluded the whole State under the same capitulation. 
All parties appeared to believe this to be the case^ 
about six weeks, during which the British forces were 



266 TKADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

rapidly advanced over the whole State, and without 
opposition, took possession of all its strong-holds. 
General Clinton had returned to New- York, and Lord 
Cornwallis succeeded to the command. It was then 
first discovered that the inhabitants of the interior 
were not included in the benefits of the capitulation. 
The State was then declared to be a conquered Pro- 
vince, and the inhabitants, able to bear arms, drafted 
to fight against their own countrymen. The capitula- 
tion took place on the 12th of May, and, on the 3d 
June, 1780, a proclamation was issued by Sir Henry 
Clinton, declaring that, after the 20th of that month, 
all paroles given to prisoners in the State, who were 
not included in the capitulation of Charleston, were 
revoked and declared " null and void," and the late 
holders of them called upon to take " an active 'part in 
forwarding military operations^ or be considered and 
treated as rebels against his majesty's government." 
Many did exchange their paroles for protections, most 
of them hoping to enjoy more ease and peace on their 
plantations ; while many did it to raise an abundance 
of provisions for the use of the American armies, and 
to join them whenever a favorable opportunity ofiered. 
It is said of General Marion, that he encom-aged and 
promoted these views among his friends, and among 
them made his arrangements for obtaining information 
of all the hostile movements of the British forces. 
Many conscientiously believed, that their allegiance 
was due to the British government, whether right or 
wrong ; and as many, that whether right or wrong, 
the British had now ol^tained the power, and would 
maintain it over the State. These altogether consti- 
tuted about one-half of the population ; while the 
other half took up arms against the invaders, rather 
than be drafted and compelled to bear arms against 
their fellow-citizens, the whigs. 

The following is a copy of the paroles given at that 
time : 



the ameeican eevolutiok. 267 

[Copy.] 

I do hereby acknowledge myself to be a prisoner of 
war, upon my parole, to his Excellency, Sir Henry 
Clinton, and that I am thereby engaged, until I shall 
be exchanged, or otherwise released therefrom, to re- 
main in the town of Charleston, unless when permitted 
to go out by the commandant ; and that I shall not, in 
the meantime, do, or cause any thing to be done, pre- 
judicial to the success of his majesty's arms, or have 
intercourse or hold correspondence with his enemies ; 
and that upon as ummons from his Excellency, or other 
person having authority thereto, that I will surrender 
myself to him or them at such time and place, as I 
shall hereafter be required. 

Witness my hand, this 21st day of May, 1780. 




I do hereby certify that the above is a true copy of 
the parole this day signed by 






>" 



Witness. 



n/(/^/p9x ^-^^ 




Will the gentlemen, bound for St. Augustine, accept 
of their paroles ? 

I consider the word parole to mean, that the gentle- 
men, while on board, and at St. Augustine, are not to 
do any thing whatsoever prejudicial to his majesty's 
service. 



268 TRADITtONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

If tlie gentlemen are re-taken, it is not expected 
that they are to return to any part of America, under 
the British government, but are to consider themselves 
on parole. 




Fidelity, armed ship, Ath September, 1780. 

In addition to these severities, Lord Cornwallis, by 
his proclamation, dated July 25th, IT 80, prohibited 
those who had not taken protection, from selling their 
property, without especial permission, — from continuing 
to make a livelihood, by carrying on their respective 
trades or occupations,-^and from collecting debts le* 
gaily due to them. Every imposition was practised 
that could break down their patriotic resolutions, and 
induce them to submit to the oppressions of the royal 
authority. The male inhabitants, who would not con- 
form, were arrested and imprisoned, on various trifling 
allegations, until the crowded prison ships Would hold 
no more, and then they were exiled to foreign prisons. 
The families of these firm patriots and exiles were also 
ordered out of their homes, without the means of sub- 
sistence, and sent out of the State, on no other plea 
than " expediency." 

It is asserted by American writers, that the restric- 
tions and severities practised on the American prison^ 
ers of war, in New- York, Philadelphia and Charleston, 
were purposely inflicted to make them enlist with 
their enemies, the British troops. The stinted and bad 
provisions — the filthy quarters, unventilated, and per- 
vaded with an atmosphere surcharged with animal 
effluvia— the depression of mental and l^odily faculties, 
inseparable from such imprisonment, under such cir- 
cumstances, soon increased the horrors of their situa- 
tion, by producing infectious diseases. The typhus, or 
camp fever, and the dysentery, swept off:' hundreds of 
their companions in arms and in misfortune. Cut oft' 
from the necessaries of life^ and seeing the British sol- 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. 269 

diers well fed, well clothed and well paid, they be- 
came more forcibly impressed by their own hopeless 
prospects. Hearing and seeing the destitution of 
their families, and feeling that their own sufferings 
increased daily, many did give way to these strong 
temptations, and took the British bounty for enlist- 
ment. About five hundred of the Americans, who 
capitulated in Charleston, enlisted in the British army, 
on condition that they should be sent abroad, and not 
made to serve against their own countrymen. Many 
of these were really sent to the West Indies and to 
Florida, in accordance with these stipulations ; but it 
was said, that some of them were brought back again, 
in violation of this agreement, under the pretence that 
they had only engaged to take them away, which hav- 
ing been done, they were under no obligation to keep 
them away for ever. 

Among the citizens, too, there were many who took 
protection, contrary to the general expectation of their 
fellow-citizens, and some lampooning ensued, as a sub- 
stitute for expressions of chagrin or ill-will. Martial 
law having been established, many vexations and hard- 
ships were experienced, and many were compelled to 
change sides, as the only means of supporting their 
families. Dr. George Carter, a native of Ireland, was 
a practitioner of medicine in Charleston. In a group 
of citizens, speaking on these subjects, he declared that 
nothing should induce him to change sides, and that if 
they cut him limb from limb, " they would leave an 
honest trunk;" but he changed his mind. The fol- 
lowing verses express the feelings of the whigs. 

When first Sir Henry came to town, 
To finish all vexation, 
He, in obedience to the crown. 
Did make a proclamation, 

Desiring all, both great and small, 
To come and swear allegiance ; 
At which some looked very glad, 
And some declared obedience. 



270 TRADITIONS AND EEMTNISCENCES OF 

Among the rest was Williams Bob,* 
Who was so very funny, 
Sir Henry's troops might steal and rob, 
So he could keep his money. 

Sir Henry's right he will maintain, 
And swears by all it is so. 
The righteous cause he will sustain. 
Like honest Tommy Phippoe. 

Sweet George,f indeed, is little known. 
But you shall hear the story : 
His limbs he swore he would have none, 
E'er he would turn a tory. 

First, then, said he, cut off my thighs. 
And this you may believe, sir, 
Cut off my arms, my head, likewise, 
You'll leave an honest trunk, sir. 

But honest George soon changed his mind. 
Petitioned for protection. 
Would rather keep his limbs, we find, 
Than undergo dissection. 

Believed to liave been written by Judge Heyward. 

After having joined the British, Dr. Carter still 
tried to keep in with the Americans. On one occa- 
sion, he invited a party to dine with him, both of Bri- 
tish officers and Americans. Towards the close of the 
entertainment, beheving that none remained but Ame- 
ricans, he proposed that they should join in their favor- 
ite toast — " The American Congress." " What is that 
you say ?" exclaimed a harsh voice from the foot of the 
table, " do you mean to insult us with such a toast ?" 
" My dear friend," said the wily doctor, " only hear me 
out ; 1 meant to add, " may they all be hanged." The 
officer Avas pacified, l)ut the doctor's sincerity was ever 
after doubted by both parties. 

Among the vexations resulting from martial law, 
we will state but two. Something had occurred in 
the family of the Miss Sarrazins, one of the oldest and 

* Robert Williams. f Dr. G. Carter. 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTIOW. 271 

most respectable in the State, with the police, which, 
to them, appeared very strange ; and the oldest of 
them — the mistress of the house — expressed her feel- 
ings at the new order of things. This was reported to 
the officer on guard, and he construed it into a treason- 
able offence against his majesty's government, in the 
conquered Province of South-Carolina. He, as in duty 
bound, committed the lady to prison, and she was ac- 
tually confined in the Provost — the vaulted, damp pri- 
son under the then Exchange, now the Custom House — ■ 
she being the only lady, at that time, among the many 
male prisoners. The other occurred with my own 
mother, after my father had been shipped off to St. 
Augustine. She had sent a servant to market with an 
English shilling, instructed to purchase her homely 
fare for her large family. In a few minutes the ser- 
vant returned, followed by a rude, noisy butcher, to 
whom the money had been offered in payment, accu- 
sing my mother of issuing false or counterfeit money. 
With this accusation, he brought a file of soldiers to 
arrest a helpless woman ; and by them she was hurried 
off to Craven's bastion, where Fitzsimous' wharf fronts 
on East Bay, to be adjudged by the officer on duty. 
There she was detained out in the street, waiting the 
leisure of this officer about an hour, when Dr. Elisha 
Poinsett passing, casually observed her, appeared for 
her to the officer, and kindly obtained her release. 

It will be observed, that under this regime, every 
common soldier was a police officer, with power to 
arrest the citizens ; and every officer, on duty, pos- 
sessed the power to commit, without the discretion or 
consideration exercised by a justice of the peace. The 
town major, charged with the superintendence of this 
police, was Major Charles Eraser, who, dressed in a 
little brief authority, was very despotic over the 
whigs, his countrymen. The father of Mr. Charles 
Eraser, married to a sister of Governor Rutledge's wife, 
was obliged to call on the town major about some busi- 
ness. The major did not, or would not, know him, 



272 TEADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

and asked his name. He was answered — " the same 
name as your own, C. Fraser, sir." " Ay, ay," said the 
major, " there are more of that name than are good." 
The retort courteous might very well have been made, 
by looking him in the face, with a bow of assent : " I 
am perfectly satisfied of that, sir," but it was not pru- 
dent to offend such a magistrate. 



TRADITION OF THE AMORYS. 

My mother, Sarah Johnson, was a descendant from 
Jonathan Amory, a merchant of Dublin, who came to 
Charleston with a considerable capital, and invested a 
portion of it in houses and lands. He was elected 
Speaker of the Colonial Legislature, and subsequently 
treasurer of the Provirce, the first treasurer of the 
proprietors. He died i i the fall of 1699, of what was 
then called the distemper, but now believed to have 
been the yellow fever, and his widow, Martha Amory, 
died about three months after him. They both left 
wills, which are recorded, and the originals preserved. 
His has an eglet, tl-.e family seal, attached to it, ap- 
pointing Mrs. WiU'cJu Rhett, guardian of their chil- 
dren. Their son, Thomas, was soon sent to England 
for his education, and there bound apprentice to a mer- 
chant of London, who sent him to the Azores in the 
prosecution of trade ; anc while residing there, he 
became the British consul. ' 

Li 1709, Thomas Amory came to Charleston, that 
he might see his sister, and settle with his guardian, 
Mrs. Khett. He expected to have taken quiet posses- 
sion of his lands, under his father's will, but found that 
they had been sold, by order of the Provincial Legisla- 
ture ; that they had been purchased by Bentley Cook, 
for the sum of one hundred and thirty pounds ; and 
that it was useless to contend for his i'ii>;ht as^ainst an 

• -I 

act of the Legislature. He married in Charleston, and 
left it, in 1711, to settle in Boston, as a merchant. 
The records inform us, that soon after the departm-e of 



THE AMERIOAlSr REVOLUTION. 2 '73 

Thomas Amoiy, conveyance was made by Bentley 
Cook to Colonel William Rhett and Mrs. Sarah Rhett, 
for the same amount, one hundred and thirty pounds, 
of all the lands that he had purchased from them, 
under the act of the Legislature, and their title to the 
land is unquestionable in law. 

After the death of Colonel Rhett, Trott married his 
widow, and the whole property was, for many years, 
designated as Trott's Point. These lands extended 
from the channel of Cooper river westwardly to King' 
street, embracing both sides of Hasell-street, on " the 
south, and both sides of Wentworth-street, on the 
north. "The lot, No. 48, adjoining to Cumming's 
land," also extended beyond King-street, westwardly 
to St. Philip's-street, where " Cumming's land" com- 
menced. 

We have reason to believe that Thomas Amory lost 
his first wife in Boston, marriedf again, and had three 
more children ; that after the death of Thomas Amory, 
his widow went to England with her three children, 
for their education, leaving her step-sons engaged in 
their father's mercantile pursuits, in which their succes- 
sors continue eminently respectably;- to this day ; that 
their daughter, Sarah, married, in England, to James 
Wilson, probably of Lincolnshire, and, after his death, 
came out with her mother to Charleston; annuities 
having been first purchased for the education and 
support of the two youngest .-hildren, Isaac and Mary. 
Sarah married, in Charleston, to Thomas Mghtingale, 
a saddler and harness maker, having his establishment 
in Meeting-street, next to the State House, and my 
mother was their only surviving child. 

Isaac studied divinity, and was ordained in England, 
after which he came out to South-Carolina, and be- 
came rector of St. John's Church, on John's Island, in 
the year 1765. Some disagreement having arisen, he 
left the Parish and the Province before the revolution, 
returned to England with ample testimonials of his 
good conduct, and obtained a rectorship near Newark, 
upon Trent, in Lincolnshire. My brother, the late Dr. 

18 



274 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OP 

Isaac Amory JolmsoD, was named after him, and in his 
family is still retained the name " Amory." 

The Carolinians had divided their stores of powder 
among several magazines, in different parts of the city. 
One of them may be now seen on the south side of 
Cumberland-street, nearly opposite to the Methodist 
Church, and another back of the Medical College, con- 
verted into a kitchen. The remains or foundation of a 
third may be seen on the south side of Magazine-street, 
to which it gave the name, about midway between 
Archdale and Mazyck-streets. Here there was, also, a 
very extensive store-house for arms, and when the 
town capitulated, the small arms, of every description, 
were conveyed to this store-house or armory, by order 
of the commandant. The British officers had the pri- 
vilege offered them, to go there and select any gun, 
sword or pistols, that they thought proper to take. 
While many of them were there engaged in selecting 
choice arms, the magazine was blown up with a tre- 
mendous explosion. It has been said, that from one to 
two hundred officers of the British army and navy 
were killed on this occasion. All the small arms were 
destroyed, the whole range of stores was consumed, 
and the flames extended across Mazyck-street to the 
Jail ; that building, which was lately known as the 
Work House, was also destroyed. One elderly officer 
was very much injured, but escaped with his life. He 
represented, that the young officers were carelessly 
snapping the fire arms, in selecting their pieces, and 
then throwing them down as carelessly, when they 
went on to examine others. He also stated that he 
had cautioned them against doing so, as some of the 
pieces were loaded, and loose powder scattered about 
on the floor ; that he had left the magazine hastily, 
from an apprehension of danger from this source, and 
had only escaped from the enclosure, when he was 
overwhelmed by the ruins. This explanation satisfied 
all parties, but, in the first of the alarm, many of the 
British army believed that the Americans had pur- 
posely blown it up. The threats were loud and vio- 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. 275 

lent. " Skiver them, skiver them," was frequently heard ; 
and had any influential officer encouraged the outcry, 
there would have been an awful scene of bloodshed in 
Charleston in that moment of excitement. The taste 
for blood and plunder being encouraged in a lawless 
soldiery, there is no bound to be estimated, or limit set 
to their rage and rapacity. The fire masters and en- 
gine companies, with their usual alacrity, repaired to 
the scene of alarm, but hearing themselves abused and 
threatened, they quickly retired in disgust, and the 
fire left to exhaust itself. The Work House, adjoining 
to the Jail, was also destroyed, but here the fire ceased. 
The square building south of it was saved, and is now 
the centre building of the three which constitute the 
Poor House. 

This centre building was called the "Widows' House, 
and was one of the earliest charities established in the 
Province. At this day, a house of this kind would be 
one of the kindest and most efficient establishments 
that can be made in Charleston for the benefit of the 
poor. There is no community in America in which 
a larger proportion exists of poor, industrious, virtuous 
and pious women. The institution of slavery depresses 
these poor women more than in other cities, and their 
principles, as well as pride, preserve them from vulgar- 
ity and vice. Such a house, under the care and pat- 
ronage of the Ladies' Benevolent Society, would be of 
inestimable benefit to Charleston, 

William Williamson had been extensively and pro- 
fitably engaged in mercantile pursuits, but had retired 
from business previous to the revolution. At its com- 
mencement he became a member of the committee of 
safety ; as such, he certified the commission of General 
Moultrie, and other officers of the two regiments, then 
raised by the first Provincial Congress. The lady of 
Govei'nor Rutledge was his half sister, and he was re- 
lated by marriage and otherwise, with many of the 
most respectable whigs in South-Carolina. He was 
rich and well educated ; he was a whig from principle, 



2T6 TRADITIOI!^S AND REMINISCElSrCES OF 

and his example was important and influential with 
the many who wavered, or were opposed to the ener- 
getic measures of that party. Although sincere in his 
opposition to the measures of the British government, 
he had no turn of mind for the turbulence and strife 
of a revolution. He was devoted to his various agri- 
cultural interests and pursuits — to his domestic endear- 
ments and his horticultural occupations. His favorite 
residence near Wallis' bridge, was one of the hand- 
somest country seats in South-Carolina, and at that time 
they were numerous. It was about seventeen miles 
from Charleston — a convenient ride for his friends in 
their occasional visits. The garden, as it was called, 
embraced about fifty acres in its enclosure, and was 
diversified with shrubbeuies, lawns and fish-ponds, in 
addition to the collections of rare and elegant exotics, 
the most beautiful of the native plants to be found in 
Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas ; with the most 
splendid and costly of the bulbous roots and ornamen- 
tal shrubs, usually cultivated in the gardens of Europe. 

He owned a rice plantation on Stono, a very valua-^ 
ble one on the Savannah, the Sisters' ferry, and other 
valuable property adjoining that river ; also, three es-- 
tablishments called cowpens, with large flocks of cattle, 
and one hundred breeding mares of the best descrip-. 
tions that could be procured. One of these cowpens 
was on the Ogechee, in Georgia ; one on Black Swamp, 
and the other on the lower three Runs, in Barnwell, 
South-Carolina. These last were all devastated during 
the revolution ; the stock of every description, and 
even most of the valuable negroes, their keepers, car- 
ried otf by the tories and marauders. 

Mr. Williamson was married in early life to Miss 
Martha Evans, but it was their misfortune to have no 
children. His amiable wife died in Charleston, shortly 
after its surrender to the British, in 1780, and he then 
endeavored to leave the desolating scenes by which he 
had suffered so severely. He became ill in passing 
through the upper country, but recovered, and resided 
in seclusion in the Middle States during the two years 



wiiicli followed the capture of Charleston. Shortly 
after the peace, he returned and resumed his former 
agricultural pursuits. He then married his second wife, 
the widow of Mr. Peter Valton, a celebrated teacher 
of music in Charleston. She was a near relation (I 
think a sister) of Peter Timothy, the printer, who, 
from the first revolutionary movements, was secretary 
to the committee of safety, conspicuous in all theii* 
transactions and highly respected. 

Mr. Williamson died about five years after his second 
marriage, leaving a son two years old. This child died 
about a year after his father, " the only child of his 
mother, and she was a widow." She left Charleston in 
the summer of 1791, and died in England. 

A faithful, affectionate servant of Mr. Williamson, 
named Captain, is still living. At the age of ninety 
years, he enjoys a green old age, with his memory per* 
feet ; to him I am indebted for most of the above par- 
ticulars. Captain superintends several farms for the 
stipply of Charleston market, and is universally re^ 
spected ; he was one of his master's gardeners. The 
old man shows, with commendable pride, a set of silver 
buttons on his waistcoast, given to him by his last mis- 
tress, as a compliment for having brought to her from 
the Sisters' ferry, on Savannah river, a large sum of 
money, due to her for the rent. Each button is stamj)ed 
P. v., the initials of her first husband, Peter Valton. 

The great respectability of Captain, and the affec- 
tionate confidence reposed in him by his owners and 
employers, is one of the many instances of primitive 
harmony still subsisting between master and servant, 
as in the days of the patriarchs. 

Capt. Harry Barry, of the fifty-second regiment, ap- 
ipointed deputy adjutant-general under General Leslie, 
by Lord Cornwallis, on the 24th December, 1780, was 
the author of the following satirical letter. 



278 TEADITIONS AND EEMBSTISCENCES OB' 

Madam : — Right painful have been my lucubrations in this essay 
after fame ; over it have I consumed the midnight oil, and the twink- 
lings of the matiti lamp have found me still assiduous ; surely, then, 
greatly anxious must I be for a fit matronization of an offspring, 
which has given as much pain to its parent, as the birth of Pallas to 
the immortal Jupiter. 

And seeing this most celebrated poem treats of the characters and 
principles of that party I must erer revere, it has been my most 
serious search to find for it some mother, who will anxiously nurse 
and fondle the darling brat, and whose ivar7n principles and gloioing 
zeal may raise it to celebrity. 

Many, madam, have been the personages who presented them- 
seWes on this great occasion, and as many have been superseded by 
your redundant qualifications. I speak not the language of flattery, 
for my soul abhors it. But when I lay this blazing offering on the 
shrine of party, I do it with the holy zeal which inspired the sybyl 
nymphs, and gave, in the prophetic hour, that energy to their coun- 
tenances, that it hath been reported none could stand before them. 

And, here I might have associated from congenial fire, the names 
of Edwards and Horry with that of Gadsden, but the minor parts 
of their history would be below that dignity which swells to its 
height your more complicated character.- The feathers which be- 
decked the head of Mrs. Ferguson, for a moment attracted my at- 
tention, but fight fearful was I, lest the mtics and poetasters of 
this age, might infer a light foundation from so airy a superstruc- 
ture, which most sorrowful event might at once overthrow both the 
patronized and the patronizer. 

Mrs. Savage and Mrs. Parsons called vociferously for notice, but 
their zeal so shook the dagger and the bowl in their hands, that I 
deemed them unfit for the calm dignity of the tragic scene. Too 
much mildness, on the other hand, superseded the veteran Mrs. Pinck- 
ney, when 1 beheld her sliding, gliding and smiling, advance to meet 
the commissioners of sequestration. As for Mrs. Charles Elliott, 
she is only allied to such exalted spirits by the zeal of party, per- 
haps, in her case, the too exuberant emanations of a delicate and 
susceptible mind. And, as the banners in the hand of Mrs. Barnard 
Elliott waved but for a moment, flimsy as the words that presented 
them, so slight a triumph could not entitle her to fame so pre-eminent 
as this. 

'Tis in you alone, madam, we view united every concomitant for 
this most eminent distinction ; qualities which receive addition, if 
addition they can have, from the veteran and rooted honors of that 
exalted character, the general. A character allied to you by all the 
warm, as well as tender ties ; it is with pleasure I ever view the 
wharf and bridge, those works of his hands, which stand like the 
boasted independence of your country, the crumbling monuments of 
his august reputations. With what rapture do 1 behold him in the 
obscure recesses of St. Augustine, attracting the notice of all man- 



ITHE AMEEICAN EEVOLUTION. 279 

kind ; and, as he traverses the promised land, planting deep in He^ 
brew ground the roots of everlasting fame. 

These considerations must evince the sincerity of this address^ 
and Svith how much truth and respect, 
I have the honor to be, Madam, 

Your most obedient, devoted, humble servant. 

Copied from a paper in the hand writing of Bishop Smith. 1 have 
tiCTer seen the poem to which this dedication refers ; the author was 
Major Barry, of the British army. 

JAMES FERGUSON. 

Dockdii, II th July, 1846, 



MARtON AND HIS MEN. 

One of the means adopted by General Marion to 
obtain information from Cbarleston, at the time of its 
occnpation by the British forces during the American 
revolution, was reported to me a few months before 
his death, by Mr. George Spidle. He was at that time 
a boy, and very small for his age, with a correspond- 
ing childish deportment. He was employed by Mr. 
Joshua Lockwood, to go in his large open boat or pe- 
riauger, under Captain Bellami, on trading expeditions 
between Charleston and Georgetown. The boat pas- 
sing through the creeks, inlets and marshes, stopped, 
of course, at many of the intermediate landings, and 
stayed as long as was necessary for the captain to make 
sales of the cargo, purchase produce in return, and 
transact any otJier business^ secretly or openly, as he 
thought proper. In the secret transactions, the little 
boy Spidle was sometimes an unconscious agent, being 
sent with a bundle of family supplies (enclosing other 
matters^ to a particular gentleman in that neigh- 
borhood. Sometimes he was taken secretly from 
Charleston, landed secretly at a particular place, his 
papers delivered and forwarded to General Marion, 
and, on the return of the boat, would stealthily creep 
into his berth, and come back to town. If he had rea- 



280 I'RADITIONS AKB EEifESTISCtT^^CES OF 

son to suppose that his country frietids suspected hirti^ 
he would pretend that he had run away, and would 
certainly be taken and given up to Capt. Bellami, who 
was, of course, very angry with himw Generally he was 
sent with a basket to peddle various little matters 
among the neighbors, but charged to offer them first 
at a particular house^ where at least one of the articles 
was always selected; the rest were hawked about 
to avoid suspicions and to promote the trade. He was 
once actually taken up by one of the loyalists, but on 
account of his childish deportment and appearance, 
was soon set at liberty. Most commonly he was landed 
openly, and sent about with a hatid-bill among the 
planters on Santee, offering for sale, in the periauger, 
the different articles specified in that hand-bill. When 
these expedients were exhausted, the little fellow was 
showed a hollow tree, near the landing, in which he 
was to lodge the packages given to him for that pur- 
pose. 

The story of Marion's inviting the British officer to 
dine with him on potatoes and cold water, has been 
doubted by some jiersons. I believe it to be substan- 
tially true, having heard it when quite a child told by 
my father, as he certainly heard it soon after the oc- 
currence, and believed it. He was told that the young 
Englishman had first been invited by Marion's aids to 
dine with them, and had accepted the invitation ; but 
being also invited by the general, he requested an ex- 
cuse from the aids, among whom he would probably 
have fared better. The general, with his usual tact, 
had perceived that the young man was sensitive, and 
concluded to try him by a ruse. The potatoes w ere 
served up as has been represented by all ; but my fa- 
ther was told, that when the general peeled his pota- 
toes, he did not throw away the skins as others usually 
do, but left them on one side of his plate. They had 
been roasted and brought on by Oscar, his favorite 
servant — his foster brother — who was, therefore, from 
infancy, always called budde. Or brother, by the gene- 
ral, when spoken to by liim. After dinner, the general 



THE AMEEICAJSr EEVOLUTlOi^". SSl 

Bald- — " Budde, bring us something to drink," and Oscai" 
brought a gourdful of water, of which the officer was 
first invited to drink ; the general then drank heartily 
from the same gourd. He then called Oscar to bring 
his horse Roger, and Roger was led up to his master, 
who handed to him the potatoe skins^ all of which 
"Were eaten by the horse from his master's hand — not 
one of them was lost. 

The young officer, whose name I do not recollect to 
have heard, returned, on the completion of his mission, 
deeply impressed with the scene which he had wit- 
nessed. He afterwards resigned his commission, with 
a determination never again to draw his sword against 
men who so bravely and conscientiously opposed his 
king and government — suffering privations and wants 
of every kind ; without pay, clothing, forage, arms or 
ammunition : compelled to reside in sickly swamps, 
without tents to shelter them : with nothing to drink 
but water, nothing to eat but roots, and feeding their 
horses on the skins^ — the refuse of this homely and 
scanty fare. 

After this adventure. General Marion obtained a 
Very fine blooded horse, by defeating a party of tories^ 
commanded by Capt. John Gumming Ball. This fine 
animal was Gaptain Ball's trooper, and was called Ball 
thenceforward after his late owner. 

Makion and his Mei^. — An old lady, well known 
in the region of country between Georgetown and 
Marion Gourt House, related to a friend of ours a few 
days ago, a revolutionary anecdote, which we take plea- 
sure in putting on record, and will be very grateful for 
any additional ones, or other interesting incidents, which 
may be collected from the very intelligent narrator of 
this, or from any other source worthy of credence. 

At the period to which we allude, the narrator was 
in the first blush of maidenly beauty, and resided with 
her mother near Port's ferry, her father having previ- 
ously been called hence to appear before his God. The 
British had possession of Georgetown, and were kept 



1S82 TRABITIONS AND BEMINlSCEKCES 0^ 

in constant alarm by the intrepid Swamp M>x, and liis 
brave and enterprising followers. Scouts from either 
of the contending parties were frequently seen near* 
her mother's residence-. Upon one occasion, one of 
Gen. Marion's agents left under her charge a quantity 
of provisions, and immediately after a party of the 
British called, searched the premises, and discovered 
the hidden supplies. They charged upon her mother 
the fact of their being designed for the support of the 
3'ebel army. She prevaricated, and the officer in com- 
mand insisted that she should have them hauled to the 
river and shipped to Charleston. The old lady said 
she would have them hauled, as directed, but could not 
be responsible for them after they left her premises ; 
that some of Marion's men were constantly scouting 
about there, and would watch and seize them so soon 
as they were removed. Taking advantage of this hint, 
the British scouts resolved to carry off with them all 
they could bear away, and ordered her to have the 
remainder shipped immediately. With this intent, 
they proceeded to examine the supplies, so as to secure 
the most ser\dceable and consequently the most valu- 
able. The daughter, now four-score years of age, and 
still in possession of all her faculties, watched these 
pT'oceedings with a restless and a jealous eye, and was 
determined, if possible, to defeat their object. Retir-' 
ing from the house for a few minutes, she hastily re- 
turned, and in apparent alarm and agitation, exclaimed, 
" Ma7'ion and his men are coming P'' A scoiit hovef^ 
ing on the edge of a neighboring thicket gave plausi- 
bility to the assertion. The British beat a hasty retreat, 
and before night-fall the provisions were removed by a 
patriotic band to a place of greater security, and freed 
from the prying curiosity of British emissaries. — CJiS' 
raw Gazette. 

Among the most efficient of Marion's men, were his 
neighbors and friends, of Huguenot descent : the Hor- 
rys, Ravenels, Cordes, Du Bose, Simons, tfec. 

Even among those of French descent were many 



*HE AMEKICAN EEVOLXJIlO]^. 283 

wlio espoused the opposite cause, and Marion, witli ju- 
dicious foresight and liberality, encouraged the aged, 
the timid and the wavering, to take protection, remain 
at home, raise provisions for those under arms, be pro^ 
tected by the whigs, if not in arms against them, and 
be a source of information to him, of the various ma- 
noeuvres and advances of the British and armed tories. 

Marion always enjoined on his men, whenever they 
fell in with the enemy, or heard of them, that they 
should obtain all possible information of their num-- 
bers, ]30sition, object and course, or destination. If 
any one came in with an imperfect account of the ene- 
my, Marion not only appeared dissatisfied, but by his 
observations showed the reporter that he might him-^ 
self be put to great inconvenience or danger by the 
want of accurate information. That they might be 
obliged to decamp, when there was no real occasion ; 
or be ordered to pursue and attack the enemy, when 
too numerous for their division. 

On one occasion, when one of the Ravenels was ab-- 
sent from the camp, whether on a scout, or on leave of 
absence, we are not informed, he met with a conside- 
rable British detachment, from which he escaped with 
difficulty, but had not time to observe their number 
and description. It Was his duty to report them as 
soon as possible, but what was he to say ! He had 
escaped into the woods, but now determined that 
he would return towards their track, ascertain their 
strength, and follow them to their encampment. He 
accordingly rode through the woods until he reached 
the head of their line, then climbed into a tree, counted 
their numbers accurately as they marched past him, 
and when they encamped, he passed on and reported 
them to the general. As Marion never lost an oppor- 
tunity of beating up the enemy's quarters, we have 
no doubt of his having embraced this to make them 
feel him, but do not remember to have heard the par- 
ticulars. 

On another occasion, having recently left the camp, 
he came suddenly on a large body of British troops in 



284 TRADITIONS AND EEMtMSCENCES 0^ 

the higli road to surprise Marion's encampment. lie 
could have turned out into the woods without risk or 
difficulty, but this would have exposed his relatives 
and brotlier soldiers to a danger which it was possible 
he might avert. He determined to give them the 
alarm, and share the danger with them. He wheeled 
his horse within range of the enemy's fire^ and ran in 
sight of them, whirling his cap and whooping, until 
the sentinel, whom he had just passed, fired his signal 
gun, and alarmed Marion in his supposed security. The 
troopers were immediately in the saddle prepared for 
the onset, and the infantry paraded for battle. The 
enemy made a gallant attack, but instead of surprising 
the Americans, they " caught a Tartar," and were re- 
pulsed with great loss. 

Once when he ventured home, having hitched his 
horse outside of the back gate, he went into the or- 
chard for some fruit. While there he heard unusual 
sounds, and stooping under the peach trees, he saw a 
number of the British cavalry in his own yard. He 
withdrew very quietly until he reached his horse, and 
then left the British to divide their plunder. A little 
boy helped his master to regain his horse on this oc- 
casion, by leading him silently from the back gate to 
the orchard, which he had seen him enter. 

When, by the advance of the American army, Ma- 
rion was enabled to encamp among the plantations on 
high ground, his young men were enabled to visit the 
neighbors, and partake of the parties given to welcome 
them. On one occasion of this kind, Thos. Parker, af- 
terwards United States District Attorney, had been at 
a dance, and retired toward morning to sleep at the 
residence of a friend. A party of tories surrounded 
the house about daylight, expecting to take them both. 
Mr. Parker had a chamber on the first fioor, and not 
waiting to put on all his clothes, ran down to the 
kitchen and escaped by a back door. His friend was 
equally prompt, but sleeping in the second story, was 
intercepted, taken prisoner and conveyed to Charles- 
ton. 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. 285 

Among tlie most active and daring of Marion's men, 
were Robert Simons and William Withers, two young 
men equally inconsiderate. They had been sent to- 
gether on some confidential expedition, and while rest- 
ing at noon for refreshment, Withers, a practised shot, 
was examining his pistols to see if they were in prime 
order for any emergency ; while Simons sat near him, 
either reading, or absorbed in thought, or the want of 
thought — a reverie. " Bob," said Withers, " if you had 
not that bump on the bridge of your nose, you would 
be a likely young fellow." " Do you think so ?" said 
Simons, and again sunk into his reverie. Withers, for 
want of something else to do, was pointing his pistol 
at different objects, to steady his hand and practice the 
grasp, weight and level of his favorite weapons. At 
last, as Simons sat sideways to him, Withers' eyes were 
again attracted by the prominent bridge of his nose. 
" Bob," said Withers, " I think that I can shoot ofl^ that 
ugly bump on your nose." " Ah !" said Bob. " Shall 
I shoot ?" said Withers. " Shoot," said Bob, and crack 
went the pistol. The ball could not have been better 
aimed — it struck the projecting bridge, and demolished 
it for ever. The bone was, of course, shattered, and 
instead of Simons being improved in his appearance, 
he became a very ugly man. I knew Robert Simons 
personally ; he lived many years at a plantation on 
Ashley river, called Mount Geresim. He published a 
number of pieces in the newspapers on the exciting 
political questions of the day. In these he sometimes 
spoke of what he had done and suffered for his coun- 
try, and sometimes what he was still able and willing 
to do, if he had a chance. All these were dated at 
Mount Geresim, and signed Robert Simons, while other 
persons were writing anonymously. 



286 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 



CHAPTER IX. 



Col. Hezekiah Maham* — Keating Simons-^-James Simons. 

This gentleman was the son of Mcliolas Maliara, and 
was born on tlie 26tli of June, 1739. Little is knowrj. 
of his early life, and the first that we hear of him is as 
a respectable overseer to Mrs. Sinkler, of St. John's 
Parish, grand-mother of Jas. Sinkler, the DuBoses and 
Glovers. Like many others in South-Carolina, Maham 
advanced himself by his good conduct from this sta- 
tion to distinction and honor in the history of his na- 
tive State. He became a member of the first Provin- 
cial Congress, and although he never enjoyed the ad-- 
vantages of education, he continued to rise in the ge- 
neral estimation of the people. At the meeting of our 
Provincial Legislature in March, 1776, he was elected 
a captain in Colonel Isaac Huger's regiment of rifle- 
men We are not informed of the military services of 
Captain Maham in this regiment, but, from his subse- 
quent rise in rank, have no doubt that he partook with 
Colonel Huger in all his dangers and adventures, par- 
ticularly in D'Estaing's siege of Savannah, and in the 
hard fought battle of Stono. 

Maham's chief distinction was acquired as comman- 
der of the cavalry under Marion. He was a very 
brave man, devoted to the cause of his country, living 
with his command, partaking with cheerfulness in all 
their privations and sufferings, he became identified 
with them in every respect. He and his men were 
personally attached to each other, and appeared to 
have few or no other attachments. JMaham's temper 
was naturally impetuous and violent ; but to his coni- 

^'This mode of spelling his name is taken from his family Bible. 



THE AMERICAN EE VOLUTION. 28? 

mand it was restrained to a becoming degree of in- 
flexible firmness, wMcli, wlien uniform, is the best cha- 
racteristic of discipline. Where there is uniformity, 
there is seldom occasion for severity in discipline. Ma- 
ham was devoted to his country and to his cavalry, 
and for their good he did restrain himself, but was 
occasionally violent and despotic in other transactions. 

A gentleman anxious to join Gen. Marion's corps, 
was detained by the extreme illness of his father ; but 
having a favorite horse sent him into the camp by a 
servant with a message to the general, that he would 
follow as soon as possible. Maham seeing the horse in 
the care of a servant, took a fancy for the horse, and 
mounted his own servant on him. The owner arrived 
a few days after this appropriation of his horse, called 
on Colonel Maham and claimed his property, but it 
was refused to him. He then appealed to General 
Marion for justice and redress, urging that his services 
in the line were at least equally important to the 
country with those of Maham's negro, and that his life 
and service depended on his being mounted on that 
horse. Marion sent for Maham, satisfied himself and 
Maham of his improper conduct, and gave an order 
for the delivery of the horse, which was accordingly 
done. 

On the arrival of General Greene, Maham received 
from him a colonel's commission, with orders to raise a 
regiment of cavalry and equip it for the campaign. 
Maham was indefatigable in the performance of this 
duty, and from his popularity and energy was eminent- 
ly successful. 

Among other expeditions of danger and address, he 
captured eighty prisoners near Monk's Corner, within 
hearing of the British army under Colonel Stewart. 
In the various duties under Marion he acquired great 
distinction. At the close of the campaign, Maham 
finding himself attacked by an intermittent fever, ob- 
tained a furlough and retired to his own plantation for 
medical advice. While there, in the presence of his 
physician, and at supper with his family, he was taken 



288 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OP 

prisoner by a tory named Robins — a partisan officer 
under Cunuingliam. 

This young man, conducted by a runaway negro, bad 
rapidly traversed the State through the pathless woods, 
and coming suddenly on Colonel Maham, demanded 
his surrender. Maham was totally unprepared, and in- 
capable of resisting the threat of instant death ; he 
surrendered and gave a written parole, but it was left 
on the table by Robins, either from carelessness or some 
other cause. 

When Maham recovered his health, being impatient 
to rejoin his command, he applied to General Marion 
for permission to do so, as the enemy had nothing to 
show for his surrender. Marion could not approve of 
Maham's proposal, but referred it to General Greene. 
Greene promptly decided against Maham, saying " that 
he not only signed the paj)er, but gave his word to 
keep the peace until exchanged. That he had never 
been released from his pledge, which had been given 
to his captor in good faith, and that he was still bound 
by it as much as ever." 

During the preceding campaigns, Maham was among 
the most active and daring in the service, particularly 
in the sieges and capture of the several British forts in 
South-Carolina and Georgia. In these, he acquired 
character in the construction of what the whole army 
called Maham's towers. These were rough structures 
of pine logs, inter-notched, so as to be firm, and ele- 
vated so high as to command the platform of the fort. 
Its capitulation soon followed. Colonel Thomas Tay- 
lor, of Columbia, stated that the first structure of this 
kind was made of fence rails, at the siege of Granby, 
opposite to Columbia, by himself, under General Sum- 
ter. Maham certainly improved them greatly. 

While suspended from his active duties in the field, 
by his pg,roIe, he suffered other mortifications. His 
regiment fell under the command of militia colonels, 
and much angry discussion ensued as to the privileges 
of Maham's regiment, and the relative rank of the par- 
ties. The following letter will best explain the views 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. 289 

and feelings of Colonel Maliam on this subject. Mr. 
William DuBose lias favored me with a copy of it, 
found in Maham's hand- writing, in his journal or minute 
book. 

Copy of a letter from Colonel Hezekiah Maham, 
1782, supposed to be addressed to, or intended for, 
Governor Rutledge. 

" Sir : — I take the liberty to enclose a letter I received from Mr. Wal- 
ter, with a few extracts from General Greene, in order that you may be 
satisfied on what establishment the regiment, I had the honor to com- 
mand, was raised, and what induced us to believe ourselves to be on the 
continental establishment, as well as an independent corps. 

At the time I undertook to raise the regiment, the enemy were in full 
possession of all the south side of Santee. I found horses very difficult 
to be obtained. I made a point to send and get all those that were 
near the enemy, belonging to the people then with the enemy, whom 
we looked upon as enemies. The horses taken in this way were most 
of them put to the use of the dragoons. Those that were not fit for 
that purpose, were exchanged for others. 

Finding I could not get a sufficient number in this way, I issued a 
reclamation to this effi^ct : ' To the friendly inhabitants : — General 
Greene has thought it proper to establish a regiment of cavalry, and 
has honored me with the command ; and, as it cannot be accompHshed 
without horses fit to mount dragoons, will be obliged to every gentle- 
man that will send me a horse or horses, for that purpose, as I will 
pledge my word and honor, that they shall be returned at the expira- 
tion of one year, or as soon as the enemy leaves the State. The great- 
est attention shall be paid to them.' Several gentlemen who sent me 
horses, on these conditions, are now obliged to borrow when their tour 
of duty comes on. 

The horses I got on the above terms, I made it a point never to part 
with, on any consideration whatever. The gentleman who wrote to me 
has had both of his horses swapped away, since Conners took the 
charge of the regiment. I say, sir, if these horses are to be detained 
from the owners, after the expiration of the time for which they were 
borrowed, how ridiculous must it make me, and every officer con- 
cerned, appear ! I shall be glad to know with what credit or faith I 
shall be looked upon by those gentlemen, besides being subject to daily 
insults. Judging the matter has been represented to you otherwise, and 
certain you would never give orders to have those horses detained and 
swapped away for others, when, at the present time, they must have 
nearly double the quantity of horses to that of men. If I have not 
justice done me in this matter, pray, sir, I would be glad to know, what 
confidence I can, for the future, put in any of my superior officers or 
the credit of the State ? 

At the time I was recruiting men for my regiment, I was fully per- 
suaded that, by a spirited e.xertion of our countrymen, I should be able 
19 



290 TEADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

to pay them oft', agreeably to contract ; but am sorry to see that there 
is 110 provision made for them, and not likely to be any. These men 
have served a very hard campaign ; done their duty, in every respect, 
IS well as could possibly be expected, say for very little more than one- 
half their bounty. They were certainly raised as continental cavalry, 
served as such, at least, under me. To see State troop officers put over 
men, after serving fourteen months, that had not the trouble of raising 
or providing any one necessary for the regiment ; to have a corps of 
deserters consoHdated, merely to gratify the ambition and the partiality 
for one man ; I say, sir, it is really hard on the whole regiment. It has 
been exceedingly ill-used, and with whatever good intention it may 
have been done, I am afraid it will prove injurious to the service." 

On this letter, Mr. William DuBose observes that it 
is without date or address ; but circumstances fix the 
first in 1782. At that time, he was not in command 
of the regiment, but a prisoner, on parole, having been 
taken in his own house. 

General Greene admitted that Maham's corps were 
continentals, like Lee's legion, and like them were lia- 
ble to serve under Marion, Pickens, and other ofiicers 
of higher rank. I remember to have heard of an 
adventure, that may aid in delineating Maham's prO' 
pensities. In some interval from his duties in the field, 
he was passing a night at the house of a gentleman, 
who was living in the enjoyment of every comfort. 
He had partaken of a good hot supper, a thing so un- 
usual in camp, as to be called " an accident." Before 
this could be digested, he went to bed, taking his arms 
with him, and placing his trusty sword within reach of 
his bed. He then hung his clothes on the bedstead 
post, with his cap over the clothes, that every thing 
might be ready in case of alarm. Whether his rest 
was disturbed by the luxury of a feather bed ; whether 
his breathing had become oppressed, by want of venti- 
lation, usually abundant under his old tent ; or from 
indigestion, we never heard distinctly. But Maham cer- 
tainly started from his sleep, dreaming that an attack 
was made upon him. The moon had, by that time, 
passed round, so as to shine through his Tvdndow on to 
nis cap and clothes. These being distinctly seen, as he 
leaped out of bed, had the appearance of a soldier, of 
whose attack he had been dreaming ; and, seizing his 



THE AMEBIC AN EEVOLUTION. 291 

sword, he began cutting furiously at his supposed 
enemy. The commotion alarmed the friendly family, 
who ran up with lights into the colonel's chamber, and 
showed him what havoc he had been making with his 
own regimentals. 

At the close of the revolution, Maham's affairs, like 
those of most other active patriots, were found to be 
much embarrassed. Suits were commenced against 
him, and resulted in executions. These, too, were en- 
forced ; and when in a passion, on one occasion, he 
seized the deputy sheriff, and with his sword compelled 
the poor man to eat and swallow the execution. Colo- 
nel Daniel Stevens, the sheriff, was my informant. He 
told me, that although sorry for Maham, he was obliged 
to sustain his deputy, and went himself to execute the 
duties of his office. He proceeded cautiously, with a 
ca-sa against Maham, watched his opportunity, and 
secured his prisoner. Maham then sent for General 
Marion, told him of his distress, and acknowledged 
what he had done. " Go," said Marion, " submit your- 
self to the laws of your country, and then I will be 
your friend to the best of my ability." Colonel Maham 
continued to be embarrassed, and his temper to be 
more and more irritable, in proportion with his diffi- 
culties. 

When Maham was exchanged, the dispute between 
him and Horry raged highest. Georgetown was soon 
after that recovered by the Americans, and a garrison 
required to protect it from depredators and other ene- 
mies. Colonel Horry was selected for that command, 
to keep him apart from Maham, and thus promote 
peace between them and their respective friends and 
followers. 

He never could control his dislike of the tories, and 
quarrelled with and fought several of his neighbors, 
because they, or their parents, had formerly been op- 
posed to the whigs. Colonel Maham married before 
the revolution, we believe, to a Miss Palmer. By her 
he had two daughters, both of whom married and left 
families. He had two sisters, Elizabeth and Dorithea, 



292 TEADITIONS AND EEMIOTSCENCES OF 

both of whom also left families. Among the descend- 
ants of these last, is Colonel J. J. Ward, in the neigh- 
borhood of Georgetown, probably the most success- 
ful rice planter in South-Carolina. He erected a monu- 
ment to the memory of Colonel Maham, of which the 
following is a description : 

TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF THE BRAVE ! 

A handsome monument has been recently erected, 
in St. Stephen's Parish, to the memory of Colonel 
Hezekiah Maham, one of the noblest spirits and most 
gallant soldiers of the revolution. We give below the 
epitaph, which a tasteful and discriminating pen has 
inscribed to the memory of the deceased warrior. Hisi 
mortal remains repose in his own family burial place, 
but the particular grave which encloses them is un- 
known, and hence the initiatory words in the epitaph. 
The inscription is designed, too, to mark not only the 
place of his burial, but also the place of his residence 
while he lived. This is rendered necessary among us, 
and especially in our low country, as, in the course of 
things, old residences not only pass from the descend' 
ants of their former owners, but are often left desolate 
and unoccupied ; and it is, therefore, interesting to be 
told, by the record, that the honored dead moved m 
life even where he slumbers in death. 

EPITAPH. 



ON THE FRONT OF THE MONUMENT. 

"Within this Cemetery, 

and in the bosom of the Homestead, 

which he cultivated and embeUished, 

while on Earth, 

lie the mortal remains of 

COLONEL HEZEKIAH MAIIAM. 

He was born in the Parish of St. Stephens, 

and died, A. D., 1Y89, 

jEt. 60 years ; 

leaving a name, unsullied 

in social and domestic life, 

and ©nwoent for devotion to the liberties 



X \ 



SRICAN DEVOLUTION. 293 



of his country, 

and for achievements in arms, 

in the Revolution 

■which established her Independence. 

ON THE RIGHT SIDE. 

Impelled 

by the spirit of freedom 

which animated his countrymen, he 

zealously and courageously 

devoted himself to its support, 

•and promoted the cause of American Independence, 

by his services 

in the State Committees, 

Instituted by recommendation of the General Congress, 

in the Jacksonborough Assembly, 

a,nd in various other civil capacities. 

ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE MONUMENT. 

Successively 

a captain in the first rifle regiment, 

a commander of horse, in 

Marion's brigade, 

and lieutenant colonel 

of an independent corps of cavalry, 

Raised by authority of General Greene, he 

bore an efiicient and conspicuous part 

in the capture of the British posts, 

and in the series 

of skilful manoeuvres and gallant actions, 

which resulted 

in the final extinction of the British dominion 

in South-Carolina, 

and secured 

to her and to the Confederacy 

the blessings of 

Peace, Liberty, and Independence. 



ON THE BACK. 

His relative, 

Joshua John Ward, of Waccamaw, 

unwilling that the last abode 

of an honest man, a faithful patriot, and a 

brave and successful soldier, 

should be forgotten and unknown, 

has erected this memorial, 

A. D., 1845, 



/ 



I 

294 TRADITIONS AND HEMINll OV 

\ 

KEATING SIMONS. 

This gentleman was descended from one of tte 
Huguenots. The family tradition is, that the first of 
them who came to Carolina was an orphan hoy, re- 
ceived into the family of Mr. Samuel DuPre, who went 
from France to England, and there meeting this boy, 
brought him with his family to America ; that the two 
sons of Mr. DuPre, unaccustomed to the privations 
and labors incidental to emigrant life, soon became 
tired of it, and returned to LaBelle, France ; but 
Simons remained, and married the daughter of his 
adopted father. 

Benjamin Simons was the twelfth child of Benjamin 
and Mary Esther Simons, and was born at Middleburg 
plantation, in St. Thomas' Parish, then the property of 
his father, on the 9th July, 1693. They were said to 
be a branch of the distinguished family of St. Simons, 
in France ; and this was confirmed by a gentleman in 
England, among the best informed in the study of 
heraldry, to Dr. Benjamin B. Simons, a descendant of 
the first Benjamin Simons. So the family of Peyre, in 
South-Carolina, was originally St. Peyre, and trace 
their lineage to St. Peyre, the celebrated defender of 
Calais, in the memorable siege by Edward III. 

The second Benjamin Simons was brought up a car- 
penter. After working several years at this business, 
he married Miss Ann Keating, by whom he had many 
children ; Benjamin, Keating, and Bebecca, afterwards 
Mrs. Jamison, survived all the rest. His wife having 
some property, and both of them extensive family con- 
nections, Mr. Simons set up as a factor, for the sale of 
country produce, and succeeded in transacting a very 
extensive business. His counting-house was on Motte's, 
now Adger's wharf, and caused a considerable accession 
of business in that \dcinity. 

Having lost his wife, he married a second time, and 
had a numerous family. His profits having increased, 
he invested them chiefly in rice plantations and ne- 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTlONk 295 

groes, and became the sole ov\^ner of Middleburg, 
where he was born, although the youngest son. He 
died on the 30th April, 1*772, and was followed to his 
grave by his thirteen children. Middleburg was left, 
by will, to his oldest son, Benjamin, who continued, 
like his father, to be very successful in his planting, 
and the property is still owned by one of his grand- 
sons, the late John Lucas, Esq. 

Keating and his half-brother, Edward, having been 
brought up in their father's counting-house, succeeded 
to his factorage business, and conducted it very suc- 
cessfully, until it became reduced by the embarrass- 
ment of trade in the revolution, and finally suspended 
by the fall of Charleston. 

In the revolution, four of the brothers took up arms 
on the side of their country, and none were braver^ 
firmer or more respectable among her defenders. These 
were Keating, James, Maurice and Robert. The father, 
who was too old for military duty, left his property to 
his two sons, Edward and Benjamin ; but made provi* 
sion for his daughters having their due proportions, 
and acted, I believe, justly by his other children. 

On the 10th June, 1774, Keating Simons married 
Miss Sarah Lewis, and thereby became j)ossessed of a 
rice plantation and negroes, on the western branch of 
Cooper river, which he called Lewisfield, which still 
retains that name, and is still in the possession of his 
grand children. 

On the commencement of hostilities, he was enrolled 
in one of the volunteer companies, as a private. His 
brother, Maurice, was colonel of the militia regiment, 
and was in that capacity at the siege of Savannah and 
other expeditions. 

In the fall of Charleston, Keating became a prisoner, 
on parole, and retired^ as he had a right to do by capi- 
tulation, to reside on his plantation, Lewisfield. Hav- 
ing heard of the army advancing, under General Gates, 
he bided his time, acted with great discretion, and tried 
to promote it among his neighbors ; but some of them 
would speak too freely, although he would remind 



296 TRADITIONS AKD EEMlKISCEl^CES OF 

them that their hands were in the lion's mouth. Among" 
these was his old neighbor, Thomas Broiighton, who 
owned Mulberry Castle, and resided under its battle^ 
ments. One day, returning from a ride, he fell in with 
Mr. Broughton, and rode home with him, expecting to 
continue alone in a family dinner* Judge of their 
surprise, to find the enclosure filled with British troop- 
ers and their horses, all apparently much at their ease. 
The captain, in command of the troop, stepped up to 
them with an air of easy assurance, and invited them 
into the castle, as if the two gentlemen were perfect 
strangers on the premises, and he alone the proprietor. 
They entered the house in mute astonishment, but he, 
as if perfectly at home, invited them to the sideboard^ 
and pressed Mr. Broughton to drink out of his own 
well known decanters. Mr. Broughton did drink, but 
with coldness and reserve, but Mr. Simons refused it 
altogether. It appeared afterwards that some un- 
guarded expression of Mr. Broughton had been re- 
ported to the British commandant, and construed by 
him to be incendiary, and either deserving punishment, 
or requiring surveillance, or both in tey'rorem^ for others. 
He, therefore, adopted what the French revolutionists 
called a domiciliary visit, and sent a troop of horse to 
be quartered on Mr. Broughton, and maintain them- 
selves, free of cost, as long as any thing could be found 
on the plantation fit to eat, by man or horse. They 
did it effectually, not only consuming all the grain and 
fodder, but all the live stock, and all the bacon, turkeys, 
ducks and fowls, while a feather of them could be seen 
alive. One only escaped. A turkey hen, witnessing 
the general destruction, took refuge on a little wooded 
island, near the river bank. No one knew of her re- 
tirement there, until the day after the British troopers 
had retired from the plantation, when she made her 
appearance at the head of her brood of young turkeys. 
Shortly after this, Lord Cornwallis, passing down from 
Camden to Charleston, sent a courier to Mr. Simons to 
announce that he and his family would dine with him 
the day after. Accordingly, Mr. Simons provided am- 



TSK AMEEICAN EEVOLUTlON. 29T 

ply for Ms reception ; killed a lamb for tlie occasion, 
and poultry and other plantation fare in abundance, 
and arranged his sideboard in accordance. But bis 
iordsbip bad bis cook and baggage wagon witb bim, 
and Was well served by tbose wbo knew bis inclina" 
tionSi Accordingly, tbey killed tbe old ewe, the mo^ 
tber of tbe lamb ; and, on Mr. Simons telling tbe 
8cotcb woman, tbe cook, tbat tbis was unnecessary, 
and showing tbe provisions, she replied tbat bis lord- 
ship knew how to provide for biniself wherever he 
Went. 

When dinner was ready, his lordship graciously in- 
vited Mr. and Mrs. Simons to dine with him, at their 
own board, and of their oWn well l3rovided fare. Mr. 
Simons said tbat he could not tbmk of bis wife be- 
coming a guest, instead of presiding at her own table, 
and told bis lordship that Mrs. Sitnons was otherwise 
engaged, but tbat be Would accept of his invitation. 

Mr. Simons had cordially brought out his best wine 
and other liquors, but his lordship inquired of his aids 
if they did not bring with them some of his old Ma^ 
deira, and called for a bottle or two. Tbe wine was 
produced, and was certainly very fine. There was 
great harmony in the good opinion of its excellence 
expressed by the company. His lordship pretended 
to inquire tbe history of it, Avhetber London particular, 
or imported direct from Madeira, and tbe young gen- 
tlemen had an answer ready for the occasion. A day 
or two after their visit, Mr. Simons was informed that 
tbe same party had passed through St. Stephen's 
Parish, and stayed a night at old Mr. Mazyck's planta^ 
tion. None of the family being there, the servants 
provided every thing necessary ; and when they were 
gone, it was found that bis wine closet bad been broken 
open, and every bottle carried o&. Mr. Mazyck prized 
his wine, as a remedy for the gout, to which he was 
subject, and Mr. Simons never doubted that it was tbe 
same which his lordship enjoyed when at Lewisfield, 
and pretended that it was a part of his own importa-^ 



298 TRADITIOKS AND EEMIKISCENCES Ol" 

tion. Sucli wine could not "be imported, it could not 
be bought, but it might be plundered. 

Mr. Simons remained on parole, at Lewisfield, wait* 
ing to be exchanged, until the middle of July, 1T81. 
At this time, General Greene sent his cavalry down 
into the lower part of the State, even within sight of 
Charleston. 

Colonel Wade Hampton took the Dorchester road 
across to Goose Creek bridge, that he might rejoin 
Sumter at Biggin. They came, about breakfast time 
the next morning, near the avenue to Lewisfield, and 
Hampton, as if to procure something ready cooked, 
proposed that he should turn in, to obtain from his 
friend, Simons, some refreshments, while the rest of 
his detachment were riding slowly forward. This was 
his ostensible object, but, in fact, it was to see his 
" lady love." He was, at that time, courting Mr* 
Simons' youngest sister, who was living with him. 
" Love rules the court, the camp, the cot," and, " love 
directed," Hampton came up while a party of British, 
from two vessels at the landing, were plundering every 
thing on the plantation, that they could lay their 
hands on. He had sent his bugler ahead of him, as a 
look-out, and Mr. Simons seeing him, gave him notice 
of his danger, by waving his hat to turn him back. 
Hampton saw the signal, knew that there was some^ 
thing on foot, and would not be put off, without ascer- 
taining the particulars. He galloped up to the house, 
received an anxious smile from the lady, and informa- 
tion from his friend, that eighty or one hundred En- 
glishmen were on shore, and their two vessels fast 
aground. This was excellent. Hampton thought no 
more of his breakfast, but galloped back to the main 
road, vaulted upright on his saddle — being an elegant 
horseman and a very active man — waved his sword 
over his head, and shouted to his command to return. 
All this was in sight of the family.* In a few minutes, 

* He was in the habit of galloping his horse, atid at this speed would 
stoop from his saddle, and pick up from the ground his cap, sword, 
whip or glove. This lady, in telling of the adventure, suppressed the 



THE AMEEICAN EEVOLUTION. 299 

ttey cantered up the avenue, captured seventy-eight 
prisoners, burnt the two vessels, and saved the property^ 
which would otherwise have been carried off, Some 
of the British party escaped in their boats, down the 
river, to Charleston, and told their story, so as to 
throw on Mr. Simons a suspicion that he had been 
accessory to the surprise and capture. An expedition 
of black dragoons was immediately sent out, with 
orders to bring him in, dead or alive, but he did not 
await their arrival. 

Mr. Simons reflected that the burning at his landing 
of the sloop and schooner was a glaring circumstance 
against him, and that the refreshments and congratu* 
lations so cordially welcomed and reciprocated at Lew- 
isfield, would be embellished in the details by the pri' 
soners on parole. He therefore left his home early in 
the evening of that day, broke his parole, joined Gene- 
ral Marion, and with him took a large share of the 
fighting at Shubrick's house, a day or two after. It 
was well for him that he retired in time ; about a 
day after his departure, a company of black dragoons 
surrounded his house, thundered at the door for admit* 
tance, and demanded that Keating Simons should come 
out. They were assured that he had left the planta- 
tion the day before, but they were not satisfied, and 
insisted on searching his premises. When they had 
searched the plantation, and were assured of his ab- 
sence, one of the family inquired what they would have 
done if they had found him, and received a prompt 
answer, " we would have taken his heart's blood." 

Mr. Simons was appointed one of Marion's aids, and 
continued firmly attached to him, not only to the end 
of the war, but of his life, and to the general's widow 
as long as she lived. At the death of Mrs. Marion, 
she left her plantation and negroes to Mr. Simons' eld- 
est son, Keating Lewis Simons, by whose family it is 
still possessed. 

name of the commander, atid made no allusion to her having been the 
source of his success. She died on the 10th April, 1848, aged eighty- 
eight years and eight months. 



800 TRADITIONS AND REMTNISCENCES 01^ 

After tlie revolution, Mr. Simons resumed his formei* 
Ibusiness as factor, but in partnersliip with his brother 
Mailrice. After his lamented death, Keating Simons 
conducted it alone and very extensively, until his sons, 
as they grew Up, were successively introduced by him, 
first into his counting-house, and then into the firm of 
Keating Simons & Sons. The business is still con- 
ducted by one of them, many of his father's original 
customers continuing to be the friends of his successors, 
T. G. Simons & Sons. 

James Simons had a genitls as well as pi*edilection for 
military matters* 

Of his early exercises and incidents in arms we are 
not sufficiently informed, but have reason to believe 
that he attached himself to Count Pulaski ; on his ar^ 
rival in May, 17^9, became his aid; was present with 
him in his various ex]3editions until the disastrous siege 
of Savannah. 

After this, Simons took a lieutenant's commission in 
Col. Washington's corps of cavalry, and continued in 
all its active duties and dangers to the close of the re- 
volution. 

About the 14th of January, 1781, When under the 
command of General Morgan, Lieutenant Simons was 
detached with a part of this corps, and a number of 
our militia, against a body of tories at Hammond's 
store, on Bush river, a branch of the Pacolet. When 
they came in sight of the store, the tories were formed 
in a line on the brow of a hill. The Americans im^ 
mediately formed and charged down the opposite hill 
with such impetuosity, that the tories broke and fled 
without firing a gun. He there ascertained that Tarle- 
ton was advancing to cross the Pacolet above Morgan, 
for the purpose of attacking the rear of his position. 
Ha\T[ng destroyed the tory rendezvous at Hammond's, 
Simons hastened to rejoin Morgan with the important 
information, and reached his camp in the night. Mor- 
gan availed himself of this notice, marched northwardly 
all the 16th of January, then encamped and announced 



THE AMERICAN EE VOLUTION. 301 

his intention to fight Tarleton on tlie following day, 
Simons partook with Washington in all the dangers 
and triumphs of this important victory of Morgan at 
the Cowpens. 

He was adjutant to Washington's regiment from the 
2d of June, 1781, to the 26th of December following. 
He was also brigade-major from the 27th of December, 
1781, to the 30th June, 1782. This last commission 
he preferred to the appellation of " colonel," which had 
not, like that of major, been acquired in the field, but 
granted by Congress to him in common with all conti- 
nental officers as a brevet of one grade. 

In the daring charge made by Colonel Washington 
at Eutaw, on the infantry of Colonel Majoribanks, well 
posted in a thicket of bushes and protected by its 
branches, Simons received two severe wounds, and his 
horse having been shot down by the same discharge, 
fell upon him. Colonel Washington and himself were 
left not far from each other, wounded about the same 
time, and entangled under their horses. The cavalry 
having been repulsed, Majoribanks advanced to re- 
lieve the party of British which had taken refuge in 
the brick house, and w^ere there attacked by the Ame- 
ricans. In this advance, the infantry came to the 
wounded, prostrate horsemen. Over Washington the 
bayonet was uplifted, and in the next instant he would 
have been transfixed, but that the soldier's arm was 
seized by Majoribanks, exclaiming " it is Washington." 
The name of Washington was a talisman ; his life was 
saved; he was captured, but well taken care of; re- 
covered and was conducted to Charleston, where he 
married Miss Elliott, while still a prisoner. Simons 
also lay under his horse when the infantry advanced 
upon him. Having no such high name to screen him 
from the impending danger, he cried out for quarter, 
and distinctly heard the reply, " oh yes, we'll quarter 
you." He expected, of course, that in the next mo- 
ment he would be killed, when his horse, roused by 
the gleam of arms and array of steel flashing before 
him, or more probably by the well known call of hia 



302 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

own bugle sounding a retreat, made a sudden effort to 
get up, and rose with Lieutenant Simons clinging to 
his neck, and did succeed in bearing him off in that 
way, until they reached his retreating comrades, when 
the horse again fell down and died ; but Simons was 
taken up by his own men and recovered. 

Having been favored by Mr. Harris Simons with 
the marginal notes of his father, Colonel James Simons, 
in his own hand-writing, to a volume of Ramsay's 
South-Carolina, I avail myself of his friendship, in at- 
taching the following extracts of such as relate to him- 
self, to the preceding sketch of his services in the revo- 
lution. 

On his arrival before Savannah, under Count D'Es' 
taing, being, as above stated, aid to Count Pulaski, Col. 
Simons notes what we do not remember to have seen 
in history : 

"On the 12th of September, General Pulaski charged and cut to 
pieces the British picket guard. James Simons took one of the guard 
within pistol shot of the horn-works A twenty-four pound ball 
shattered a tree, a large splinter from which knocked James Simons 
and his horse over, they being about three feet from the tree." 

To the attack on the lines of Savannah, he notes : 

"In this action General Pulaski (who commanded the cavalry) 
received his death wound. James Simons was close by his side, and 
was his extra aid-de-camp, James Simons had a feather shot out of 
his cap, and was one of three, out of nine, in the forlorn hope, who 
escaped with life on that occasion." 

We have been told that Mr. David Cardozo, father 
of the two brothers of that name, was another sur- 
vivor, and was wounded in the ankle in that action. 

As to the siege of Charleston, he disapproved of it, 
and notes " the want of infantry to attend the caval- 
ry" in the open country during the siege, as a great 
error in General Lincoln, and adds that " he ought 
himself, beyond a doubt, to have kept the open coun- 
try with his army and given up the town. That the 
rout the American cavalry sustained at Monk's Corner, 
and again at Lanneau's ferry, and their failure to cut up 



THE AMERICAlSr EEVOLUTIOlSr. 803 

Tarleton near Eantowle's bridge, were all owing to the 
want of infantry attached to the cavalry. That the 
up-country militia would not have withheld their aid 
and support to Lincoln in the field, but could not sub- 
mit to the sufferings of a garrison in a beleaguered 
town." 

At the dispersion of Cunningham's party of tories, 
at Hammond's store, and the destruction of it and the 
stockade fort, Colonel Simons adds — "that he took 
more prisoners than he had men under his command." 

At the battle of Cowpens, Colonel Simons informs 
us " that he was the only South-Carolinian who held a 
continental commission in the line, and that he com- 
manded the left division of the cavalry in that action. 
That until the capture of Tarleton's baggage on that 
occasion, James Simons had not for months seen can- 
dles, coffee, tea, sugar, pepper or vinegar. That the 
canopy of heaven was his tent, and a great coat his 
only covering." 

At the siege of Cambridge, '96, Colonel Simons in- 
forms us "that Colonel Cruger, the British commander, 
being in want of food for his favoi'ite horse, had turned 
him out of the fort to graze. That the horse was ta- 
ken and brought to General Greene, who immediately 
sent and presented him to James Simons." 

That "when Lord Rawdon divided his forces at 
Camden, Greene immediately turned upon him. Raw- 
don then concluded to abandon Camden, having proved 
the truth of the King of Prussia's maxim- — ' he who 
divided his forces would be beaten in detachment.' " 

" At the battle of Eutaw, in the charge made by 
the cavalry on the British infantry under Majoribanks, 
James Simons received two one ounce balls in his 
hip, and fell within a few feet of Colonel Wade Hamp^ 
ton," (afterwards General Wade Hampton.) 

We learn that Governor Rutledge requested James 
Simons to leave the continental service, for the purpose 
of instructing the militia in the discipline and duty of 
regulars. He undertook the arduous task, but on con* 



304 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OP 

dition that it should not interrupt or impede his pro- 
motion in the continental troops. 

After the revolution, James Simons had his military 
spirit again excited by the heroism displayed during 
the French revolution, and studied the improvements 
then introduced into the science of attack and defence. 
Among other manoeuvres, he was much struck by the 
astonishing rapidity with which an advancing column 
could suddenly " deploy" and form the line of battle. 
To demonstrate this to his fellow-citizens, and to teach 
it to his brother officers of the State militia, he pub- 
lished a pamphlet with plates showing the mode of 
effecting this change, and the great advantage resulting 
from its adoption. Colonel Simons called it " The Line 
of Science," and not only distributed the copies in 
South-Carolina, but sent some of them to Our War De- 
partment, and some to France. I am not informed 
whether he made any improvements on the French 
practice ; he certainly displayed his knowledge of the 
plan, and demonstrated its usefulness to others. 

On the death of the old collector, George Abbott 
Hall, Colonel Simons was appointed by the federal go- 
vernment collector of the port of Charleston, and con- 
tinued diligently and honorably to execute the impor- 
tant duties of that office until the year 1807, at which 
time he resigned it, and Major James Theus was ap- 
pointed in his place. 

Major James Simons first married Miss Dewar, and 
had two sons, the Kev. James D. Simons and Professor 
Charles D. Simons, of the South-Carolina College. He 
next married Miss Hyrne, sister of Major Ilyrue, whose 
name is frequently spoken of with distinction in the 
Southern warfare. On the early death of this amiable 
lady. Colonel Simons married the eldest daughter of 
Dr. Tucker Harris, and left several children, among 
whom are our valued fellow-citizens Harris Simons 
and Col. James Simons. 

Colonel Simons took a lively interest in all military 
matters, and was excited, in common with all Ameri- 
cans, in the extraordinary exploits of the French ar- 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 305 

mies in their revolution. Speaking, about that time, on 
the subject, in a company of ladies and gentlemen, one 
of the ladies, from Georgetown, suggested that the en- 
thusiasm of the French armies might be attributed, at 
least in part, to the influence, patriotism and public 
spirit of the French ladies. She then asked why the 
ladies might not become as useful in the councils and 
in camps as the men. Colonel Simons replied, " I freely 
admit your patriotism, public spirit and influence in 
society, but your domestic relations prevent your ser- 
vice in the camp, for when you ought to be in the field 
you would be in the strawP 

His brother, Maurice Simons, colonel of a militia regi- 
ment, was so much liked and so influential among them, 
that the governor and council thought it best to keep 
him in that command. He accordingly served with 
them in all the harrassing calls upon his regiment, and 
marched with them to the disastrous siege of Savannah, 
and in the border warfare near Georgia. After the 
revolution, while carrying on the factorage business on 
East-Bay, near Lodge-alley, he was grossly insulted 
by Major Henry Snipes. He challenged Snipes ; they 
fought, and Colonel Simons was killed by a ball enter- 
ing his brain a little above the eye. He was universally 
lamented, and left a widow and two sons, whose de- 
scendants still cherish the " name and lineage." 



20 



306 TRADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 



CHAPTER X. 



The propriety of defending Charleston considered — The terms of 
Capitulation violated by the British — Tarleton's Severities—A Child 
dropped by its Nurse — Captain James Butler and the Martins of 
Edgefield — Sufferings of the Whigs in Charleston — Phebe Fletch- 
er — Measures to induce William Johnson to take protection — 
British Officers make money out of the King — Arrest and Exile of 
the firm Patriots in Charleston — Friendship of Captain T. R. 
Charlton, and of Captain Thomas Buckle, to William Johnson — 
Treatment and Adventures of the Exiles to St. Augustine — Wil- 
liam Brown, the British Commissary — Dr. John Budd, Dr. David 
Ramsay, Dr. Andrew Turnbull — The exchange and return of the 
Carolina Exiles — The Expulsion of their Families. 

Geneeal Lincoln has been censured for suffering 
himself and his army to be shut up in Charleston — 
there to be captured, and consequently to lose not only 
Charleston, but the whole State, and his whole army. 
He knew the belief to be general, that the three South- 
ern States had. been preserved from the enemy, during 
the five preceding years of the revolution, by its success- 
ful defence against Sir Peter Parker, and against Pro- 
vost. He knew it to be as generally believed, that the 
best way of preserving these States, in future, was to 
preserve Charleston. He was promised, by the governor 
and council, any number of men that he should require, 
and an army in the field, to annoy the British during 
the siege ; but they were themselves deceived in their 
calculations. He was surrounded by some of the most 
able men that America ever produced — the Rutledges, 
Pinckneys, the Middletons, Gadsden, Moultrie, Huger, 
and others, whose talents and persuasions it was scarce- 
ly possible to resist. These men could not wish to de- 
ceive, but they overlooked the important circumstance 
of the credit and resources of the State having been 
exhausted, in the total depreciation of the paper cur- 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. 307 

rency, and in tlie utter impossibility of enlisting re- 
cruits for their army. They deceived themselves, in 
relying on the promj^tness of the South-Carolinians to 
rally at every call made for military services. The 
militia had no confidence in General Lincoln. Even 
the brave and patriotic in the upper country, could not 
be induced to quit their homes, to be shut up in a be- 
leaguered town, exposed to starvation, sufferings, disease 
and death, in their most appalling forms. Many had 
seen that those who remained on their plantations dur- 
ing Provost's invasion, in 1779, had preserved their 
property, while others who had turned out to resist 
him, had lost every thing that could be carried off. It 
was hoped that they would fare as well by staying on 
their plantations in Clinton's invasion, as others had 
fared in Provost's ; but woefully did they pay for their 
error. 

The officers and men in Charleston were confident in 
themselves, from their repeated successes, when opposed 
to the regular troops of Great Britain ; and when re- 
pulsed at Savannah, they had behaved as w^ell as the 
regular army of France, with whose disciplined soldiers 
they had fought shoulder to shoulder, on that disas- 
trous day. Even this repulse from before Savannah, 
was conclusive in deciding them to defend Charleston. 
As the British, in their entrenchments, at Savannah, 
were able to defend themselves against the French and 
Americans united, the Carolinians confidently believed 
that they could as well protect themselves, when en- 
trenched in Charleston, against the army of Sir Henry 
Clinton and the fleet of Admiral Arbuthnot. Wash- 
ington, indeed, advised General Lincoln not to await 
the siege, but to abandon Charleston to the invaders, 
that they might be amused and enervated by its occupa- 
tion, while he preserved his army in active opera- 
tions, by retiring into the upper country. Much, how- 
ever, was left to Lincoln's local knowledge and judg- 
ment, who was, unhappily, influenced by the pro- 
mises and persuasions of the governor and council. 
They ordered an additional body of troops to be 



\ 



808 TRADITIONS AISTD REMrOTSOEN'CES OF 

raised, and ajDpointed officers to command them; 
but, having nothing but depreciated paper money for 
their subsistence and pay, none would enlist. They 
also ordered out the militia of the State, but for various 
reasons, particularly their want of confidence in Lin- 
coln, very few obeyed the order. The regular troops, 
which in lYYT amounted to two thousand four hundred 
men, scarcely numbered eight hundred. Lincoln knew 
all this, and yet suffered himself to be persuaded by 
the governor and council. He ought then to have 
abandoned the city — have kept his army together, 
and thereby saved it and the States of South and 
North-Carolina. He had two months to see all this — 
Clinton was two months after his landing before he 
commenced the siesre ; and in those two months Lin- 
coln never struck a blow at any of the British stations 
or divisions. He is not justly blamed for endeavoring 
to preserve Charleston on the promises made to him ; 
but when he found that those promises could not be 
fulfilled, he ought to have exercised more judgment, de- 
cision and energy, previous to the commencement of 
the siege. 

The strength and resources of South-Carolina were 
thus exhausted, in fighting in and for Georgia ; but her 
valiant sons reciprocated whenever it was in their pow- 
er, and among them we record the names of Haber- 
sham, Jackson, Elbert, Clarke, McCall and Twiggs. 
North-Carolina generously sent her troops whenever 
called for to join in our battles, and aid in our defence. 
Seven hundred of her regulars entered Charleston af- 
ter it was beleaguered, and while many of the citizens 
of our own State evaded the call. These seven hun- 
dred formed the only reinforcement received during 
the siege, while the British had three thousand regu- 
lars added to their besieging army. The North-Caro- 
linians — Rutherford, Ashe, Isaacs, Henderson, Shelb}^, 
Moore and Severe — freely partook also in the laurels 
won. General Davie, among others, became a cher- 
ished son 0^ South-Carolina, and reflected honor on his 



■tfiE AMERICAN EEVOtUTION. 309 

adopted State, iu return for well merited commenda- 
tions. 

The terms of capitulation were considered fair for 
all wlio were iu arms in tlie defence of Charleston. The 
inhabitants, and all the militia within the limits of 
Charleston, were to remain in the peaceable occupation 
of their own homes and property, until exchanged as 
prisoners of war ; and this right it was thought had 
been extended to all other inhabitants of the State, as 
the lieutenant-governor, General Gadsden, had signed 
the capitulation. The British officers, however, denied 
it, and declared that all who were not in Charleston at 
the time of the capitulation, were British subjects in a 
conquered country, and subject to their orders ; that 
they were, consequently, liable to bear arms against 
their own fellow-citizens in battle. On the 3d of June, 
not three weeks after the capitulation, the commander- 
in-chief issued a proclamation, that after the 20th of 
June, that duty would be required of them. The plan- 
ters who had stayed at home to preserve their pro- 
perty, now found themselves in a dilemma. When this 
order was issued, they determined, if they must bear 
arms, to choose their enemy, and about half of them 
decided to fight against the British, rather than their 
late friends and fellow-citizens ; the rest to obey the or- 
ders and become royalists. 

This resolution of the whigs consequently led to what 
the Britith called the second rebellion, and it never 
terminated until they were finally expelled, under the 
admirable conduct of General Greene. 

It was found that the proclamation of the 3d June 
did not apply to the mechanics and traders in Charles- 
ton, who were screened by the articles of capitulation. 
Lord Cornwallis, therefore, issued a proclamation on the 
25th July, depriving all these of the right to sell their 
property, or collect their debts^ or go out of the city, 
without permission. Many were thus cut off from the 
means of maintaining their families, and must see them 
destitute, even of food and clothing, or take protec- 
tion. Many did submit for a livelihood, but were se- 



310 TEADlTIONS AM) REMINISCETfCJlS OF 

cretly the enemies of their oppressors. These pro-" 
clamations were not only the signal for revolt, but fire- 
brands of discord, strife and civil war. They were the 
cause and commencement of one of the most bloody 
and wasteful civil wars that ever raged in any country, 
in any age of the world. History blushes at its horrors, 
and suppresses the recital of particulars. 

The British and royalists certainly commenced it, to 
punish the Carolinians for their second rebellion. The 
execution of American prisoners in Camden, and other 
parts of the State, were the first instances of the kind. 
The Americans retaliated with vengeance, and each 
succeeding execution, on both sides, only serted to ag- 
gravate the evils. The unsparing destruction of lives 
by Tarleton's troops added to these cruel executions 
between whigs and tories, equally as each had the pow- 
er to execute them, and produced exasperations and vin»> 
dictive feelirgs that nothing could sooth. They excited 
fears and alarms in the unarmed that nothing could pa- 
cify. The wasteful destruction of crops, cattle and 
dwellings, was soon followed by the cold-blooded mur- 
der of unresisting prisoners. Then the hunting, way- 
laying and shooting, between whig and tory, equally 
ruthless, unspariug and savage, was followed in some 
cases with torture, and the destruction of whole fami- 
lies. The provocations and vindictive feelings of both 
involving the country in horrors onl}^ to be equalled 
in romance. A lady in St. John's Parish, not far from 
Strawberry, was going on foot to a neighbor's house, 
attended by her nurse bearing her infant son. They 
were unexpectedly met by a party of British dragoons, 
and in their fright they took to the woods. The Brit- 
ish pursued — the servant soon dropped the child — one 
of the soldiers picked it up, tied it in a pocket hand- 
kerchief, and carried it into camp, at Monk's Corner. 
The alarm, in this case, was probably without cause. The 
incident serves to show the pervading terror in the in- 
habitants. The family of Dr. Peter Fayssoux was living 
a few miles oft', at the plantation owned by the late Dr. 
Phil. G. Prioleau. Mrs. F. heard of the little captive, 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. 311 

Went to the commanding officer, and requested that it 
might be entrusted to her care. She took it home, and, 
in a few days, had the pleasure o^ restoring the child 
to its afflicted mother. I was told of the occurrence 
by one of the parties. 

Colonel Tarleton was one of the most active and un- 
sparing of the British officers, so that the term Tarle- 
ton's quarters became proverbial, and synonymous 
with general massacre. 

The political and personal enmity between whigs 
and tories originated with the first movements of the 
revolution, and continued, with but little interruption, 
to its close. Even now there are persons living, who, 
after the lapse of sixty-five or seventy years, cannot 
suppress their feelings of bitter indignation, when 
speaking of those scenes. " A Biographical Sketch of 
Tarleton Brown, a soldier in the Revolutionary Army," 
first published in 1843, in the Kambler, and then in a 
pamphlet, afibrds proof of such feelings in a respect- 
able man. He died in 1846, about ninety-two years of 
age. If such feelings are improper, his provocations 
and injuries were grievous, and he who made him thus 
susceptible can best forgive him. 

Among the most moderate incidents of those days, 
are the following, chiefly taken from Mills' South-Caro- 
lina : Captain James Butler, of Edgefield, was advanced 
in years when the war broke out, but would always 
serve as a volunteer whenever fighting was on the car- 
pet. In one of those situations he lost his life — at the 
time when the unfortunate Captain Turner, with his 
whole party, was compelled to surrender to the tories, 
under William Cunningham, and then murdered, with 
but one exception. Captain Butler, on being struck 
by Cunningham, knocked him down with his musket, 
but was immediately despatched. 

The family of Martins, in Edgefield, were remark- 
ably conspicuous during the revolutionary war, for 
their united efibrts in the great cause of independence. 
There were seven brothers, and all took active parts ; 
they all proved themselves good soldiers. Though 



312 TEADITIONS AND llEMINISCENC:6:S OF 

frequently engaged witli the enemy, and some of tliem 
wounded, yet all survived tlie war, except one, (Wil- 
liam) who fell at the siege of Augusta. He was one 
of the oldest captains in the service, commanding the 
artillery — was an excellent officer, and engaged in seve- 
ral battles. The names of these brothers were William, 
Bartly, James, John, Edmund, Marshall and Mathew. 
Mathew was alive in 1846, residing in Tennessee— 
about seventy years after his first essay in arms — but 
died at the close of the year. The female part of this 
family evinced the same attachment to their country, 
and courage in its defence. The following anecdote is 
an evidence of it : Understanding that important de- 
spatches were transmitted up the country by the enemy, 
Mrs. William and Mrs. Bartly Martin determined to 
waylay the courier, and take possession of the papers. 
Accordingly, they dressed themselves in their husbands' 
clothes, took their muskets, and posted themselves 
near the road where they knew that the express must 
pass. Soon after this, the courier appeared, guarded 
by two British officers. When they came up, the 
ladies demanded of them to surrender, and presented 
their muskets, armed with bayonets. The British, sur- 
prised and alarmed, immediately surrendered, and 
were paroled on the spot. The ladies, then taking 
possession of the mail, made a short cut through the 
woods, returned home, and forwarded their prize, with- 
out delay, to General Greene. The paroled officers, on 
their return, asked for accommodation as travellers^ 
and it was granted. Mrs. Martin inquired about their 
object in returning so soon, and was told that they had 
been taken prisoners by two rebel boys, and showed 
their paroles. The ladies rallied them on the occasion, 
and asked if they had no arms ; they said yes, but 
that they were taken off their guard. Mrs. Martin 
allowed the officers to depart the next morning, 
without informing them by. whom they had been cap- 
turedd 



O^HE AlvlERICAN REVOLUTION. 3t3 



ILL-^TREATMENT AND SUFFERINGS OF THE CAROLINA 
PRISONERS. 

The sufferings of the American prisoners, from typhus 
or hospital fever, from want of food, both in quality 
and quantity, from a crowded population in mid-sum^ 
mer, and from want of air and exercise, under depres- 
sion of spirits, is said to have been greater than could 
be supposed from the historical representations. 

Many enlisted with the British, under a stipulation 
that they should be sent out of the United States, and 
not be made to serve against their own countrymen. 
These men were sent to the West Indies and to Pensa- 
cola, accordingly ; but some were brought back again, 
under the plea that no stipulation was made for them 
to remain absent from the United States, but only to 
be sent out of the country, which had been done. 
There can be no doubt that men, so exasperated, 
would sometimes give vent to their feelings, in ways 
that were construed into mutiny. One of my brothers, 
John Johnson, saw an instance in which the poor Ame- 
rican was whipped to death. The British officer say- 
ing, that a punishment, more terrible than death, was 
necessary on such occasions. 

There was a Magdalene in Charleston, at that time, 
who merited much consideration from the Americans, 
for her devoted attendance on the sick soldiers, and 
her many acts of benevolence to those who were most 
in need. Phebe Fletcher had received a decent, vir- 
tuous education, but had been seduced from the paths 
of rectitude, by a young man of fashion, a native of 
Charleston, who, by boasting of his success, doubly 
blasted her prospects in life. Being shunned by the 
virtuous, she had no choice ; she could only associate 
with the vicious. Many acts of her life showed that 
she was fully sensible of her degraded state, and wished 
to make amends, if possible. A giddy, thoughtless 
young lady left the home of her respectable parents, 
and repaired to that of Phebe Fletcher, saying that 
she wished to live with her. Phebe invited her into a 



C- 



I 

814 TRADITIONS Al?D REMITflSCET^CES Q^ 

room, and locked the door on her, that she might not 
be exposed ; then went off to the parents of the yotmg 
lady, told them what she had done, and added that 
she knew too well the evils resulting from a loss of 
reputation and of virtuous society, to countenance its 
sacrifice by any one. The parents of the young lady 
took her home, not only treated her frailty with lenity, 
but with increased parental attentions. She not only 
repented and reformed, but became the exemplary 
mother of a respectable family. The secret never was 
whispered. I never heard the name of the family^ 
few ever heard of the incident, and when mentioned, it 
was only to give credit to the kind Magdalene. 

Phebe Fletcher died several years after the revolu- 
tion, and such was the general respect for her goodness 
of heart, that many of the most respectable inhabi- 
tants attended her funeral. Peace be to her memory^ 
May he, who can best judge of the frailties of our 
nature, cast the mantle of pardon over her sins, and 
reward her good deeds. 

After the capitulation, my father asked for a pass- 
port, and leave of absence to bring back his family, 
which had been sent into the country during the siege. 
This was promptly granted. He then asked for the 
same indulgence, while his family was passing through 
the small-pox, in the country, and this too was readily 
granted. He also received other favors and personal 
attentions from some of the officers, particularly from 
Captain T. R. Charlton, of the royal artillery, who had 
distinguished himself in defending the lines of Savan- 
nah. He called again, after a while, for another pass- 
port and leave of absence, but it was now refused, with 
this remark — ^" You have had time enough to consider 
your situation, you must now stay at home." He 
construed this to mean — " You have been favored, by 
us, with indulgences, in hopes of bi'inging you over to 
the royal cause ; you must now learn that, if you do 
not join us, you may be put to inconvenience at fii'st, 
and then be made to suffer." Although a private in 
the battalion of artillery, he was a member of the 



TttE AMERICAN EEVOLtJTlON'. 315 

Legislature, and believed to have some influence among 
the people. Another attempt was more pointedly 
made to bring him over, through his friend, Captain 
Thomas R. Charlton. This gentleman called on him 
fexultingly, to inform him that Charleston was to be 
made a naval depot, and that he might have all the 
blacksmith's work for the British navy in the port. 
He asked Ca23tain Charlton, in turn, if by this it was 
expected that he should take protection, and quit the 
cause of his country. The answer being in the afiir* 
mative, the offer was declined decidedly, but very 
gratefully as to Captain Charlton. That gentleman 
went on to advise my father, with sincerity, as a friend, 
that he should not refuse such an opportunity of mak- 
ing his fortune, saying that his duty to his children 
should induce him to accept the offer. My father an- 
swered, that he hoped to provide for the real wants of 
his children, but never would do any thing by which 
they may be made to blush for him. As to the profits 
of such an appointment, however uncertain in the final 
result, they were, at that time, as they still are, consid- 
ered very great. They certainly were very great to 
those who could make out unjust charges, and take un- 
just advantages of king, country, or individuals. But 
the final success of such unjust dealers is always preca- 
rious. The king's oflicers took all advantages of both 
sides — of the king, their employer, and of the people 
who were employed. One instance I remember to 
have heard. Mr. J. Moncrief was a house-carpenter, in 
Charleston, and had been employed by one of the king's 
faithful subjects to do some repairs, or make some 
additions, to one of the king's stores. He did the work, 
and carried in his bill, as justly made out as if against 
any other person. The ofiicer took the bill for exami- 
nation, and directed him to call again on a given day. 
He did so, and was surprised to find a new bill made 
out in his name, much greater in extent and amount 
than his own ; it was ready, certified, and awaiting his 
signature. He hesitated about signing the receipt, 
saying that he did not claim that amount. The officer 



816 TEADITION^S AND REMlmSCEN-CES OV 

i'udely replied, that it was no business of his, and lift- 
ing the desk at which he was writing, he took out a 
handful of guineas (not counted), put them into Mr. 
Moncrief 's hand, repeating his order to sign the receipt* 
Very few, if any, of those who joined the British with 
expectations of profit, appear to have realized such 
calculations ; but the British officers were enriched. 

About three months after the capitulation, my father 
Was taken up, put on board of a prison-ship, and 
exiled to St. Augustine, without any alleged offence. 
The kind-hearted Charlton did not desert him, but 
came on board of the loathsome prison-ship to see him, 
and to ask what he could do for him. He was an- 
swered, with thanks, " only retain the blacksmith's 
shop and workmen, for the support of my family," 
and this was done. Even after the revolution, this 
friendly man, being for a short time in Charleston, 
called at my father's house, to inquire what had become 
of the family ; and had the satisfaction of seeing them 
all doing well, and of being gratefully introduced to 
other friends.* The deportment of some of my father's 
own countrymen and fellow-citizens, under the goading 
influence of civil war, was very different from that of 
this generous Briton. On his way to the prison-ship, 
guarded by a file of soldiers, he passed a group of loyal- 
ists, and bowed to them, with a smile. One of them 
said, loud enough for him to hear distinctly — " You 
will soon laugh on the other side of your mouth." 
There were other loyalists who proved kind, consider- 
ate and friendly ; among them was Captain Thomas 
Buckel. He came, also, to my father, in the prison- 
ship, and offered a letter of credit, on a merchant in 
St. Augustine, which, after some hesitation, was ac- 
cepted, for two hundred pounds sterling. This was 
certainly a personal favor to himself, and intended for 
his individual wants and uses. In addition to this, he 

* This worthy man lived to a great age, and became General Thomas 
R. Charlton, of the royal artillery. About the year 1847, his death 
v/as announced in the public prints ; it took place in Nova Scotia. 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTIOT^-. 317 

afterwards, unsolicited, wrote to my father, in St. Au- 
gustine, enclosing another letter of credit, for an un- 
limited amount. This was evidently intended for 
the benefit of any, or all the other prisoners, who 
might have need of assistance in their exile. It was 
so appreciated by all, and, at the close of the revolu- 
tion, was so considered by the Legislature, in releasing 
his sequestered estate. 

On their arrival in St. Augustine, sixty-seven in 
number, with their servants, they were again offered, 
on their parole, permission to walk about, within 
certain limits of the city ; and all gladly accepted 
the conditions, except the lieutenant-governor. General 
Gadsden. He positively refused all terms and condi- 
tions with the British, saying that they had deceived 
him once, but never should have a chance of deceiving 
him a second time. Mr. Thomas Ferguson, a member 
of the council, and one or two others, then spoke to 
the commissary of prisoners, requesting him to post- 
pone the question until next day, that they might try 
and persuade the general to change his mind. The 
next day came, but there was no change in General 
Gadsden's resolution, and he was committed to a dun-^ 
geon in the castle, where he never saw the sun for ten 
months. His reason for this course was peculiar. He, 
as lieutenant-governor, was at the head of the council 
in Charleston, during the siege ; and, as such, had to 
sign the articles of capitulation, jointly with General 
Lincoln. One of the articles stipulated that the inha^ 
bitants should remain in the peaceable possession of 
their own homes, until exchanged as prisoners of war. 

PRISONERS SENT TO ST. AUGUSTINE. 

General Christoplier Gadsden, Lieutenant-Gavernor of South- Carolina, 

Thomas Ferguson, ^ 

Dr. David Ramsay, >• Memhers of the Council. 

Richard Hutsou, ) 

Peter Timothy, Cleric of the House of Representatives, 

John Edwards, 

Edward Blake, \ Commissioners of the Navy. 

Josiah Smith, Jr., 



318 TEADITIONS AISTD EEMINISCENCES OP 

Hugh Rutledge, Judge of Admiralty. 

Thomas Heyward, Assistant Judge of Common Pleas. 

Alexander Moultrie, Attorney General. 

John Sansum, Deputy Marshal of Admiralty Court, 

Dr. Peter Fayssoux, Surgeon-General. ti. 

John Loveday, Messenger of Council. 

Captain Edward Rutledge, ^ 

" Richard Lushington, 

" Jacob Read, ^ Commissioned Officers. 

" Edward North, 
Major Joseph Parker, J 

Anthony Toomer, Lieutenant Charleston Artillery. 
Isaac Holmes, Collector of Charleston. 

William H. Gibbes, a Lawyer — many years Master in Equity. 
Dr. John E. Poyas. 
Dr. John Budd. 
George Flagg. 
Thomas Singleton, 
John Todd. 
Edward McCrady. 

Rev. John Lewis, Rector of St. PauVs Parish, 
John Neufville, Member of the Council. 
William Massey, Deputy Parade Master. 

Thomas Grimball' \ ■^^''^^^^^ 9f ^^^ House of Representatives, 
■^Robert Cochran, Powder Receiver. 

Captain Thomas Hall, of the 2d Regiment. 
■ Captain William Hall, of the brig Notre Dame. 

Captain William Levingston, of the Militia. 

John Mouat, Lieutenant of Cannoniers. 

Rev. James H. Thomson, Keeper of an Academy. 

Daniel DeSaussure, Member of Representatives. 

General Griffith Ruthford, ) /-Ar.?.-/ ?• , i , n ^ i j j> ^ 

Colonel Elijah Isaacs, \ ^•' ^^^'^'^- Carolina, taken at Gates' defeat, 

Thomas Savage, a Planter. 

Arthur Middleton, Member of Congress. 

George Abbot Hall, Collector of the Port. 

Edward Weyman, Marshal of Admiralty Court. 

Benjamin Waller, ) tt- r nr . 
Tj • ■ n ^ \\. r Vendue Masters. 
Benjamm Cudworth, ) 

Benjamin Postell, ] 

Philip Smith, v Planters. 

Moreton Wilkinson, ) 

Dr. N. W. Jones, late Speaker of the Georgia House. 

Henry Crouch, Member of the Rcjjrcsentatives. 

Daniel Bourdeaux, ) Merchants 

John bplatt Onpps, 3 

Josepli Bee, ) Planters 

Christopher Peters, J 



THE AMEEICAN EEVOLUTION. 319 

John "Wakefield, Quarter-Master. 
Edward Darrell, Commissioner of the Navy. 
Kichard Berresford, Aid to General Moultrie, 
John Berwick, Member of the Representatives. 
WiUia a Lee, Captain of a Volunteer Company. 
StevhenUoove, Lieutenant Colonel, ) ^f North- CaroUna, 
Henderson, Colonel, ) ' 

McCall, ^ 

U aike, \^ Commanding Officers of Georgia. 

Twiggs, j 

On the 22d June, 1781, their exchange was effected in 
Charleston. On the 5th July, it was announced in St. 
Augustine, and they were first told that they would be 
landed in Georgia, and inarched through it, homewards, 
a^iidst hostile Indians. At this they remonstrated, 
and, at the same time, considered the means by which 
it might, if necessary, be forcibly resisted. 

The terms of capitulation were certainly violated, in 
sending off this portion of them to St. Augustine, and 
the lieutenant-governor considered it his duty to protest 
against the violation, in every way possible, even to his 
own personal sufferings. A large unfinished building, 
called the State House, was assigned to the prisoners as 
their quarters, and a fine grove of sweet orange trees was 
within their enclosure. Another building, with a large 
garden, was hired by some of the prisoners, forming a 
third mess ; some of whom cultivated the garden for 
health, recreation and fresh vegetables. The rations 
received, were as good as could be expected, where 
every article was imported, and subject to the casual- 
ties of war. But their chief gratification was in the 
abundance of fine fish with which the place is supplied, 
at very cheap rates ; the water, however, was bad. A 
few of the inhabitants were friendly and polite ; Dr. 
Andrew Turnbull and Mr. Edward Penman, who both 
removed to Charleston, about the close of the war, 
were among the most friendly ; always sending to the 
" American gentlemen," for perusal, whatever news- 
papers they received by various arrivals. Don Ari- 
dondo de Arrara and Mr. Frs. Sanchez, Mr. Jesse 



320 TRADITIONS AND EEMHSTISCENCES OF 

Fisli, of Anastatia Island, and Don Lucia De Herriera, 
also occasionally sent them fruit and other presents, 
that were very acceptable. On the 4th of July, the 
different messes agreed to unite and dine in common — 
the fare was very plain, but ample — the only luxury 
was a large plum pudding, in the middle of the table, 
with an American flag, showing its stars and stripes, 
placed in the centre of it. On this occasion, was first 
sung the celebrated American hymn, 

" God save the thirteen States, 
Thirteen united States, 
God save them all." 

It was written that morning, by Captain Thomas 
Hey ward, of the artillery, (afterwards Judge Hey ward) 
while sitting under one of the orange trees in their 
enclosure, and several copies made of it before dinner. 
After dinner, it was sung with great animation and 
exultation. Being of the same tune with " God save 
the King," the British supposed it to be their national 
air, and were peeping in at the windows, wondering 
what had got into the Yankees to sing " God save the 
King." The American version of this hymn was soon 
sent among them, and they were perfectly satisfied that 
the Yankees were not singing " God save the King" — 
that they had not " changed their tune." 

There being two clergymen among the prisoners, 
0,rrangements were made for their meeting to unite in 
offering up prayer and adoration to the giver of all 
good gifts to man. The Rev. James H. Thomson, the 
younger of the two, first officiated, and afforded the 
consolations of religion to his brethren in exile. The 
Kev. Mr. Lewis preached but once, and, on the day 
after that, a most peremptory order came to them 
from the commandant, forbidding such religious meet- 
ings thereafter, but offering seats to them, on Sabbath 
days, in their churches. The prisoners could not join 
in prayers for King George, and " for his triumph over 
all his enemies ;" they could not unite in prayers against 
themselves and their countrymen ; they refused to at- 



THE AlVIERICAlSr EEVOLUTION. 321 

tend any of the churclies, but had private prayers in 
their several messes.* 

The commissary of prisoners, William Brown, was a 
Scotchman by birth, an upright, honorable man, faith- 
ful to his king and country, but ever kind and indul- 
gent to the prisoners under his care, as far as was con- 
sistent with his duty. Where entire satisfaction could 
not be afforded, he would sooth their feelings and con- 
sole them in a friendly, gentlemanly manner. He was 
a tall, thin man, and his features so very sharp that 
they could not be well forgotten. Mr. John Berwick, 
one of the prisoners, grandfather of the late John Ber- 

* Mr. Thomson was a minister of the Independent or Congregational 
Church. While permitted to officiate in St. Augustine, he, with great 
liberahty, read the prayers and conformed to the Hturgy of the Protes- 
tant Episcopal Church ; not altering any part, but omitting such as 
was opposed to the interests and feehngs of his brother prisoners. He 
also read a printed sermon, generally of the Church of England, in 
which there was no consideration of political or sectarian ditierences. 
This service was continued on four Sabbath days, successively, without 
interruption or opposition. Previous to this, he had been keeping a 
school in Charleston, and after the peace continued to keep one of the 
best classical seminaries in the United States. He married a daughter 
of Mr. Theodore Trezevant, and left three daughters, who all married 
and left families. 

The Rev. John Lewis was rector of St. Paul's Parish, Colleton, at 
that time one of the best livings in South-Carolina. This gentleman 
was»ardently attached to the cause of American independence, and used 
his influence in promoting its accomplishment. He gave great ofl:ence 
to the British, by preaching from this text: "The Lord forbid it me, 
that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee." — Kings, 
xxi., V. 3. It was said, by those who heard the discom-se, to have been 
highly interesting and impressive — well adapted to the spirit of the 
times. After the surrender of Charleston, Mr. Lewis was one of those 
patriots seized by order of Lord Cornwallis, taken out of their beds, on 
the 2*7 th August, 1780, and, in violation of their rights under the capi- 
tulation, put on board of a prison-ship, and thence transported to St. 
Augustine. Ilis principles were not, however, overcome by oppression. 
He there preached from Genesis, xliii., v. 14 : " If I be bereaved of my 
children, I am bereaved." Governor Tonyn was so irritated at the spirit 
of this discourse, that he ordered Mr. Lewis to be confined in the castle, 
and, on the general exchange of prisoners, he was sent with the rest to 
Philadelphia. On his return to his cure, Mr. Lewis continued his du- 
ties, until his death, in 1784, when he was buried by the side of his 
predecessor, the Rev. John Tonge, near the east end of the church. 
21 



322 TRADITIONS AND KEJVUNISCENCES OF 

wick Legare, was so struck with his looks, that he 
carved, with a penknife, the likeness of Mr. Brown, for 
the head of his walking-stick, and afterwards made it 
a snuff-box. The likeness was so perfect, that it was 
recognized by all who knew Mr. Brown, and is still 
retained in Mr. Legare's family, with the tradition of 
its object and origin. 

The news of General Greene's battle with Lord 
Cornwallis, at Guildford Court House, was received 
while they were still prisoners, and Mr. Brown advised 
them to keep within their enclosures during the great 
rejoicings for the splendid victory obtained by his 
majesty's arms. They asked Mr. Brown, whether it 
was not one of those victories described in the old 
Scotch ballad : 

" Tliey baith did fight, and baith did beat, and baitb did rin awaw." 

Mr. Brown smiled, but said no, the official statement 
was received of a decided victory gained. The Ame- 
ricans conformed, of course, to this well-meant advice 
of their commissary ; and he, to prevent, as far as pos- 
sible, the prisoners from being annoyed by the drunken 
rioters, posted sentinels on the outside of their gates. 
One of these sentinels was a German, probably an old 
Swiss soldier. A party of low characters assailed him, 
and attempted to break in at the gate. The Gerigan 
warned them off, and they persisting, he bayonetted 
the ringleader and killed him. The old German, on 
being asked how such a wound could so speedily cause 
death, replied, " Oh, but I gave my gun a twesh," 
(twist) by which the simple puncture became a widely 
lacerated wound. 

Mr. Brown had scarcely left the prisoners, after the 
above conversation, when they found that they had 
more cause for rejoicing than the British, at the result 
of this battle. Thomas Singleton, whose descendants 
live a little eastward of Santee river, was one of the 
prisoners. He was a Virginian by birth, and, having 
lived almost entirely in the back country, had con- 
tracted many of its peculiar sayings and doings. He 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 323 

liad been taking a walk, and, observing some persons 
who had recently arrived, soon singled out one of 
them, and, as he expressed it, had started a Virginian — 
he knew him by his gait — had taken his track, and 
treed him; that is, he followed him into a public 
house, and entered into conversation with him. The 
countryman said that the Americans, after having 
fought very gallantly, retreated in good order from the 
field, but were ready the next day to enter it again ; 
that the British, on the other hand, were obliged to 
retreat the day after, and leave their wounded as pri- 
soners to the Americans ; and that General Greene's 
army pursued them down to Wilmington. When Mr. 
Brown came the next day, the prisoners joked with 
him about the splendid victory, and asked him to join 
them in their rejoicing at the result of that battle. 

Among the Charleston prisoners was Dr. John Budd. 
He was a native of New-Jersey, and acquired his medi- 
cal education in Philadelphia, where he married an 
amiable and respectable lady, with a considerable pro- 
perty. He also possessed an extensive landed estate, 
and a considerable income in his native State. This 
independence in fortune may have trained him in ex- 
pensive habits ; he was certainly inconsiderate and im- 
provident. He ran through all his property during 
his life, and became involved in certain unpleasant 
difiiculties. He never knew how to keep his hands 
out of his pockets, or to keep his money in them. 
He was, in his youth, like most young men of fortune, 
rather flighty in his pursuits, and without foresight in 
his movements. One instance of the kind may illus- 
trate this turn of mind. He disappeared from among 
his relatives and friends, without giving them any 
notice of his intentions — without writing a line to any 
one — without assigning a cause for his absence, even 
by a messenger, verbally, or stating where he was 
going, or for what length of time. The first tidings 
of him were from England, that he had gone there with- 
out money or letters of credit, and was then in jail. 

When Dr. Budd returned from this frolic, he had 



324 TEADITIONS AISTD EEMI]SriSOEN"CES OF 

sowed his wild oats, and ever after led an exemplary 
life, — domestic and public, religious and professional. 
He warmly espoused the American cause, from the 
first of the revolution, and, on the surrender of Charles- 
ton, was one, among the most respectable of her citi- 
zens, sent off to St. Augustine, contrary to the terms of 
capitulation, under which they had become prisoners. 
While there, the retaliation threatened by General 
Grreene, for the execution of Colonel Hayne, was made 
known to them, and they were told that they must ex- 
pect to be treated accordingly. Before it was officially 
announced. Dr. Budd heard of it, and, calling at the 
mess, of which George Flagg was one, was asked the 
news. He replied, " the British have resolved to hoist 
Flagg^ and nip the rebellion in its BuddP 

After the evacuation of Charleston, Dr. Budd re- 
sumed his professional duties in that city, in partner- 
ship with Dr. D. Ramsay, the historian, and so con- 
tinued until his death. When the Medical Society was 
formed, he was one of the original members ; and, 
when it was his turn to write a dissertation, he selected 
the subject of fermented liquors for that purpose ; 
on the ground that London porter was preferred to 
all other kinds, and that trials having been made in 
different parts of Britain and of the world to imitate 
it, without success, the conclusion was irresistible that 
London porter could only be made with Thames 
water, and that taken at low tide, and near the London 
bridge. He infers that the Thames water, in its most 
filthy state, was the only water fit to make London 
porter. He also showed that the river was there the 
receptacle for all the filth, of efverij description^ from 
that, the most filthy portion of the great city, extend- 
ing many miles on both sides of that river ; and de- 
scribed the component parts of that water in such 
glowing colors, that many, previously fond of London 
porter, never would drink it afterwards. 

On one occasion, shortly after the medical fee bill 
was signed and published, as the rule between physi- 
cians and their patients. Dr. Budd was asked to pre- 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTIOK. 325 

scribe for one who made a long story of Ms ailments. 
The doctor did so, prepared a phial of medicine, with 
written directions, and delivered it to his patient, say- 
ing that the chai'ge was seven shillings and sixpence. 
The patient complained that the charge was too high, 
but was assured that this was the established price, 
and, as it was so published, he was liable for it. The 
patient finally proposed that the odd money should be 
taken off, and, on the doctor's assenting, put down six- 
pence on the counter, took up the phial, and was going 
away. " Stop ! stop !" said the doctor, " you were to 
pay seven shillings." " Oh, no !" said his patient, " you 
agreed to take off the odd money ; seven is an odd 
number, and six is the even money, I am, therefore, 
right, sir." " Well ! well !" said the doctor, " take it, 
and go about your business." Then, as the patient 
was leaving the door. Dr. Budd observed to one of his 
students, " hang the fellow, I have made three pence 
out of him after alL" 



DR. DAVID RAMSAY. 



It would l)e presumption in me to attempt a biogra- 
phical sketch of this distinguished citizen, while his 
own writings afford the best testimony of his talents, 
patriotism, and untiring industry in literary pursuits. 
It would be a trespass on the time and patience of the 
reader, when he is pix)bably well acquainted with the 
full and graphic memoir of his life and actions, written 
by General K. Y. Hayne, and prefixed to the second 
edition of Ramsay's History of the United States. 

At the commencement of the American revolution. 
Dr. Ramsay was in the prime of life, about twenty-five 
years of age, five feet ten inches high, muscular, athle- 
tic and healthy. His countenance beamed with intel- 
ligence and deep reflection, but the sight of one of his 
eyes was impaired from the effects of the small-pox. 
He was always sociable and communicative, without, in 
the least, assuming, on the deference always paid to 



826 TRADITIONS AWD EEMmiSCETsTCES OF 

his talents, political and professional eminence. He 
was clear, decided and firm in his religious, professional 
and political opinions, expressing them candidly and 
conscientiously, with great fluency of speech, but al- 
ways with liberality and politeness to those who dif- 
fered from him in opinion. 

Shortly after his settlement in South-Carolina, he 
married Miss Sabina Ellis, a native of Charleston, with 
expectations of a fine fortune. But she unhappily 
died eight or nine months after marriage, and previous 
to her arriving at that age which would have given 
her possession of her property. He was a widower 
until the peace. Being then a member of Congress, 
he married a daughter of the celebrated Dr. John 
Witherspoon, President of Princeton College. She 
also died about a year after marriage, leaving a son 
who became Dr. John Witherspoon Ramsay. At the 
time of this marriage, Dr. Ramsay was officiating as 
president, pro tem.^ of Congress, in the place of John 
Hancock, who was confined by ill-health. He was, in 
this way, for a twelvemonth, literally President of the 
United States, under the old confederation. He was 
the third Carolinian who had enjoyed that honor — 
first Arthur Middleton, next Henry Laurens, and then 
Dr. Ramsay. 

Dr. Ramsay was happier in his last marriage, with 
the oldest daughter of Henry Laurens, a lady of great 
learning, piety and exemplary conduct. She was the 
Mrs. Martha Ramsay, whose memory is still revered 
by all who have read or heard of her. They had a 
large and amiable family.* 

Dr. Ramsay delivered the first oration on the anni* 
versary of American independence in South-Carolina. 
This was on the 4th of July, 1778 ; that of 1777, was 
only celebrated in Charleston by military parades ; 
by a splendid entertainment, given by the governor, 
John Rutledge, and some other rejoicings, but there 

* This lady would sometimes speak of her husband as " her unpol- 
ished jewel," probably because the doctor had not " studied the graces," 
as successfully as he had the knowledge of medicine and history. 



THE AMEEICAN REVOLUTION. 32 T 

Was no oration. He was called upon, also, at a meet- 
ing of tlie citizens, to deliver an oration on the death 
of General Washington, which he did with admirable 
feeling and eftect. On many other occasions, also, he 
obeyed the call of his fellow-citizens, and was their 
favorite orator and representative. 



DR. ANDREW TURNBULL. 

Dr. Turnbull was born and educated in Scotland. 
Early in life, he settled in Smyrna, in Asia Minor, and 
soon became a distingnished practitioner of medicine 
in that ancient commercial city. He was particularly 
successful in his treatment of the plague. His method 
was to cause or induce a general relaxation of the sys- 
tem, profuse perspiration and large operations, by small 
doses of tartar emetic, given at moderate intervals. 
Had he lived to prescribe for the yellow fever in 
Charleston, he might here also have adopted some 
judicious system of practice, by which his reputation 
would have been extended, and many lives saved in 
this community. In Smyrna, he married a Grecian 
lady, Maria Gracia, the daughter of — — — -• — — — , a 
merchant of that city. After many years residence, 
he engaged with a company of merchants and others, 
in an undertaking to plant a colony in East Florida, 
and there cultivate the vines, olives, capers, figs, and 
other productions of the Mediterranean coast. He was 
to superintend the settlement and conduct the affairs 
in America, and the company bound themselves to 
supply him, at stated times, with clothing, provisions, 
implements of husbandry, seeds, roots, and money to 
complete and support the establishment. Dr. Tm^n- 
bull, accordingly, left his established practice, and 
commenced enlisting colonists for his new enterprise, 
chiefly Greeks and Minorcans by birth. As he was 
about to settle in an English colony, he adopted the 
form of English indentures for the contract, between 
himself and the colonists, and, in the year 1768, pro- 



328 TRADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

ceeded to St. Augustine, with about fifteen hundred 
colonists,* and commenced his settlement at New 
Symrna, with prospects of perfect success, under the 
patronage of Lord Hillsborough. 

In 1766, Dr. Turnbull received a grant of twenty 
thousand acres of land in East Florida, from the Bri- 
tish government, with the understanding that he 
should accompany and conduct the establishment of 
this colony. In compensation for the profitable prac- 
tice in Smyrna, which he was to relinquish, the colonial 
minister appointed him receiver-general for quit rents, 
the income from which office, was valued at twelve 
hundred pounds sterling, per annum, about five thou- 
sand five hundred dollars. The colonists were bound 
to serve, I believe, ten years in cultivating the produce 
of the Mediterranean, they being amply provided with 
all the necessaries of life for themselves and families. 
After this time, each family, according to their num- 
ber, should be entitled to a certain quantity of land, 
in fee simple, to settle it, live upon it, or do what they 
pleased with it. Every thing went on very well about 
nine years. The colonists had their own priests, both 
of the Roman and Grecian Church, and every facility 
afforded them for their accustomed religious duties. 
Dr. Turnbull even employed a carver to supply their 
wants for saints and other images. The colony pros- 
pered until the American revolution broke out, and 
even then. By sending out hunters and fishermen, 
and by the cultivation of maize, a sufiiciency of food 
was provided for the colonists, but it ^^las not of the 
kind stipulated, and they murmured for their olive oil, 
raisins, chesnuts and their light table wine, which 
could not be supplied, because of the war. Their 
clothing, too, was very deficient, and no substitute 
could be obtained for this — they were badly clothed, 
and the clamor of the women could not be appeased. 
In this unfortunate state of affairs, a difference arose 

*This number included the women and children — the fomilies of the 
men who signed the indentures. The men, we have been informed, 
amounted to no more than three or four hundred. 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTION". 329 

between Dr. TurnbuU and the Governor of Florida, 
Patrick Tonyn, Esq. In a visit to his excellency, Dr. 
Turnbull discovered, in the governor's lady, an old ac- 
quaintance in Scotland, and concluded not to permit 
the usual courte&ies between the governor's lady and 
his family — her invitations were not accepted, nor her 
visits returned. Offence was taken by the governor's 
lady, and it was believed that she sent emissaries 
among the Greeks and Minorcans, to increase their 
discontent and promote insubordination. Insurrection 
ensued, and, in the overseer's endeavors to supj)ress it, 
he was killed by the mutineers. Two or three of 
them were hanged for the murder, and the rest ran 
away. 

In the progress of the American revolution, the 
whole commercial world became involved in its vortex, 
and the fleets of France, Spain and Holland, aided by 
the American cruisers, cut off the supplies which Dr. 
Turnbull and his company were bound to provide for 
the colonists, in consideration for their labor. Dr. 
Turnbull believing that he might keep them together 
six or eight months longer, for the completion of their 
contract, resorted to measures which he deemed neces- 
sary, and which they declared severe and oppressive. 
The colonists appealed to Governor Tonyn for relief, 
and he released them from their indentures, on the 
ground that the company had failed to supply the 
colonists with what had been stipulated in their inden- 
tures. In consequence of this, all the improvements in 
New Smyrna went to ruin, and the colonists forfeited 
their right to the land, the reward for nine years 
labor. 

It may be said, literally, that Dr. Turnbull was 
ruined by the American revolution, although he took 
no part in it, from first to last. He came from St. Au- 
gustine to Charleston, in May, 1781, with a large 
family and but few servants. His talents and social 
qualities were such that he soon rose to the head of 
his profession, and commanded the esteem and respect 
of all who knew him. 



330 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OE 

On the 9t]i of July, 1781, official notice was re- 
ceived of all the prisoners in St. Augustine having 
been exchanged. The transport provided by the Bri- 
tish government for conveying the prisoners back to 
the United States, was not half large enough for them, 
with their servants and baggage. They applied for 
additional accommodations. They urged the season of 
the year, which was midsummer ; the violation of their 
rights under the capitulation ; the great expense to 
which they had already been subjected, in consequence 
of that violation ; and their incapacity of earning any 
thing for themselves, while thus exiled, but all in vain. 
The only accommodation granted, was the privilege of 
hiring another brig, of the same size, at their own pri- 
vate expense, for the purpose of dividing their num- 
bers between the two. They sailed together, on the 
19th of July, 1781, for Philadelphia. The transport 
arrived on the 28th, at the Capes of Delaware, and 
the hired brig not until the 2d of August. 

In the hired transport. Judge Heyward was one of 
the passengers. The weather being extremely hot, 
and the hold of the vessel very much crowded, he 
came upon deck one night for fresh air. He remem" 
bered seating himself on a hen-coop, near the railing 
of the vessel, and no doubt fell asleep in that situa- 
tion. Another passenger, Mr. Sansum came also on 
deck some time after him, who was totally unac- 
quainted with seafaring matters. As he stepped on 
the deck of the vessel, he heard a sudden plunge in 
the water alongside, and supposing that some person 
or some thing had fallen overboard, he hastily threw 
a coil of rope over the same side. Still hearing and 
seeing nothing, and not knowing what would result 
from his movement, he remained very anxious. He 
was, however, the agent of Providence in preserving 
the life of Judge Heyward, one of the most valuable 
men in the State, one who signed the declaration of 
independence, and sealed it Avith his blood. He liad 
rolled overboard in his sleep ; the coil of rope fell with- 
in his reach, he seized it, and was thus enabled to reach 



THE AMEBIC AK REVOLUTION 331 

the rudder of tlie vessel, to which he clung, until taken 
up by his friends. 

Three days after the exchange of prisoners had been 
I'atified in Charleston, the commandant of that place 
issued a proclamation, ordering all those families to 
leave the city and the State, by the 1st of August, 
whose fathers had not taken protection. This was 
" the unkindest cut of all." The fathers in St. Augus- 
tine did not know of this order, and could not provide 
for the exigencies of their families. The mothers had 
all suffered great privations ; many were destitute of 
support when their husbands were abroad, and obliged 
to sacrifice their furniture, ornaments, and other pro- 
perty, for the means of removal ; none knew where 
they may again meet their husbands, if ever, or find 
means of making known their situation and necessities. 
Among these was Mrs. Mary DeSaussure, wife of Daniel 
DeSaussure, one of the most respectable merchants of 
Charleston, and one of the most exemplary citizens of 
the State. A copy of Mrs. DeSaussure's petition to 
the commandant, for permission to sell her furniture, 
<fec., has been preserved by her children and grand- 
children, and is here annexed. It is highly probable 
that most of the families, banished at the same time 
with Mrs. DeSaussure, were obliged to crave the same 
indulgence — the right to sell their furniture. What 
must Americans have felt, at being ordered out of 
their own homes before a given day, and at being 
obliged to petition for leave to sell their own furniture. 

Copy from the original, now in possession of Henry 
A. DeSaussure, Esq. 

To the Honorable Lieutenant- Colonel Nesbit Balfour^ 

Co7nmandant at Charleston, d'c., dbc. : 

The humble petition of Mary DeSaussure, wife of Daniel DeSaussure^ 
showeth, That your petitioner is unable, in her present circumstances, 
to provide for the expense that must necessarily attend the removal of 
herself and family from this Province; therefore, prays your honor 
will be pleased to grant her the indulgence of making sale of the furni- 
ture belonging to her dwelling house and kitchen, also a riding chaise. 



332 TEADITIONS AND E:emNISCE]S-CES OE 

and to graat her sucli further indulgence as to your honor shall seem 
meet, and your petitioner, as in duty bound, will ever pray. 

Mr. DeSaussure is not in debt. 

(S'gned) MARY DeSAUSSURE. 

Charleston, July 3, I'ZSl. 

N. B. The commandant directs this to be laid before the Board of 
Police. 

The petition is endorsed with the following words : 

July 10th, 1781. 

Mrs. DeSaussure has permission to sell her furniture and chaise, as 
within requested. 

By order of the Board of Police. 
(Signed) THOMAS WINSTANLEY, Clerk. 

On the 2 2d June, 1781, the general exchange of pri- 
soners was signed, and on the 27th, all the families of 
those sent to St. Augustine were ordered out of the 
Province, previous to the 1st of August following. 

On the 25th of July, many of these families em- 
barked for Philadelphia, in a brig, commanded by 
Captain Downham Newton, with a passport, making 
her a flag of truce. Among them were my mother 
and family ; of the others, we can only recollect the 
families of Mr. Josiah Smith, in which was included 
his venerable father, the minister ; so aged and infirm, 
that he required constant personal attentions. Also, 
the families of Messrs. George A. Hall, Samuel Prio- 
leau, William Lee, Logan, Cripi3S, Axson, North, and 
others who are not now recollected. They had a pros- 
perous voyage, entered the Capes of Delaware on the 
2d of August, and, with a fair wind, continued their 
course up to Newcastle. Another brig had been in 
sight all the day, pursuing the same course, a little 
behind them. As they anchored in the evening, the 
other brig also anchored close alongside. My father, 
being on deck of this last brig, hailed the other, with- 
out the use of the trumpet, and was answered, " from 
Charleston," in the well-known voice of the captain. 
They immediately recognized each other. " Is that you. 



THE AMEEICAN REVOLUTIOlSr. 333 

Downliam Newton ?" " Aye ; is that you, William 
Johnson ? we have your family on board." Many other 
manly voices immediately and anxiously inquired each 
for his own family, and a joyful meeting then took 
place, of many dear ones, thus providentially brought 
together. 

The pious effusions of their gratitude were offered 
up to Him^ who had so unexpectedly effected the meet- 
ing of families, relatives and friends, without preconcert 
or provision on their part. 



334 TRADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCE3 OF 



CHAPTER XI. 



General Richard Winn — Colonel William Bratton — Captain John Mc- 
Clure — Letters of Joseph W. White — Colonel William Harden — 
Siege of Augusta — Colonel Isaac Hayne — Captain John Smith — 
Thomas Ferguson — Governor Bryan's Letter — Kindness of the Penn- 
sylvanians — Residence in Philadelphia — Tradition of the Jansens. 

Geisteral Richard Winn, of Fairfield District, was 
a native of Virginia. At tlie commencement of the 
revolution, lie entered the regular service of South- 
Carolina, and was commissioned first lieutenant of the 
rangers, in June, 1775. He served under Colonel 
William Thomson, in General Richardson's expedition 
against the tories, in the winter of that year. Their 
leader, Colonel Fletchal, was taken prisoner, having 
been concealed sometimes in a hollo k tree, sometimes 
in a cave, and sent down to Charleston. He also 
served under Thomson, in the attack on Sullivan's 
Island. The rangers being stationed at the eastern 
end of that island, successfully opposed Sir Henry 
Clinton's army, in their attempt to cross from Long 
Island, for the purpose of storming Fort Sullivan, while 
bombarded by the British fleet, under Sir Peter Parker. 
In this engagement, he distinguished himself, and was 
consequently sent in command of a company to the 
southern frontier, for the purpose of defending Fort 
Mcintosh, on the north side of St. Ilia (Satilla). 
Shortly after his arrival at that fort, he was attacked 
by a strong body of Indians and tories. These he 
beat ofl:', on two succeeding days ; but, on the third, 
when Major General Provost, with a strong reinforce- 
ment, led on to storm the fort, Winn surrendered to 
him on honorable terms of capitulation.* When able 

* Statement in Wells' South-Carolina Gazette, 27th February, 1777. 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. 335 

to return to Fairfield, lie took command of tlie militia, 
consisting of refugees and others in tliat district. He 
was in several liard fought battles, and the defeat of 
the British regulars, under Colonel Fraser, at Hanging 
Rock, depended, in a great measure, on his conduct 
and courage. The celebrated General Davie, who 
commanded a party of cavalry in that battle, said, that 
when the firing became warm, Winn turned round, 
and exclaimed, " Is not this glorious ?" He fought 
side by side, in this battle, with Colonel William But- 
ler, of Edgefield. They were then separated, and did 
not meet again, until eight or ten years after the peace ; 
then they rushed into each others arms, and the first 
words said were by Winn, exclaiming, " What a pep- 
pering we gave those fellows at Hanging Rock !" At 
this battle, he was wounded, and borne ofi" the field 
about the time of the enemy efiecting their retreat ; 
the Prince of Wales regiment having been nearly 
annihilated. On his recovery, Winn continued to 
afibrd General Sumter his able support, nor ceased 
until the enemy were expelled from the State. He 
was a devoted patriot, and probably fought in as many 
battles of the revolutionary war, and with as brave a 
heart, as any man who took part in that struggle. 
After the peace, he was elected brigadier-general of 
the militia by the Legislature, and subsequently major- 
general. He also filled various civil ofiices in the State, 
and for many years was a delegate to Congress. He 
removed to Tennessee in 1812, and died shortly after 
he left South-Carolina. The village of Winnsborough 
was so called, in compliment to General Winn, and, 
by an act of the Legislature, it is made the seat of jus- 
tice, for the district of Fairfield. 

Colonel William Bratton, of York District, was the 
associate, friend and adviser of Major Winn, in all his 
measures opposed to the British forces in South-Caro- 
lina. With Captain McClure, of Chester District, he 
concerted and conducted the attack on a large body of 
royalists and marauders, at Mobley's meeting house, in 



336 TEADITIONS AND EEMINISCElSrCES OF 

Fairfield District, and defeated and dispersed them. 
This occurred in June, 1780, six or seven weeks after 
the surrender of Charleston, and was the first blow 
struck at the British power, after they had declared 
the State re-conquered. A strong detachment of Bri- 
tish troops, under Colonel Turnbull, was then sta- 
tioned at Bocky Mount, in Chester District, for the 
purpose of overawing all that portion of the State. 
The news of Colonel Bratton'y success drew down on 
him and his neighbors the vengeance of the British 
colonel. Among others, he detached Captain Houk, 
(pronounced Hook) at the head of four hundred Bri- 
tish cavalry, and a considerable body of tories, all 
well mounted, with the following orders, found in his 
pocket, after death, by one of his conquerors, and still 
preserved by one of his family : 

" To Ccqytain Houk : 

You are hereby ordered, witli the cavalry, under 
your command, to proceed to the frontier of the Province, collecting all 
the royal militia with you in your march, and with said forces, to push 
the rebels as far as you may deem convenient." 

On the 11th of July, Houk came, with his whole 
command, to the house of Colonel Bratton, rudely en- 
tered it, and ordered Mrs. Bratton to provide a repast 
for himself and his troopers. He then asked her 
where her husband was, and she fearlessly replied, " in 
Sumter's army." He then proposed to her, if she would 
get her husband to come in and join the royalists, that 
he should have a commission in the royal service. She 
answered, with continued firmness, that she would 
rather he should continue where he was, and, if neces- 
sary, to die in defence of the State. For this patriotic 
and heroic reply, a soldier of Houk's company at- 
tempted to take her life with a reaj)ing hook, which 
was hanging near them in the piazza. He was, how- 
ever, prevented, not by Houk, but by the officer next 
in command under him. The troops were removed 
for the night, and quartered at James Williamson, 
Senr.'s house — the next adjoining to Bratton's. The 
main road passed close to this house, and being fenced 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. 33T 

was a lane before it ; liere the sentinels were placed 
along tlie road, while those not on duty slept in their 
tents, and the officers in the house. Colonel Bratton 
having heard of the movement in that direction, con- 
cluded that it was aimed at him and his associates, in 
the attack on Mobley's. He convened his neighbors, 
who had retired with him to Mecklenburg, in North- 
Carolina, under General Sumter, and they moved off 
with all possible despatch, to prevent the mischief, as 
far as practicable. He mustered but one hundred and 
twenty-five men, and in the march fifty of them drop- 
ped off". On his arrival, after dark, at the scene of 
action, he had but seventy-five effective men. They 
concealed their horses in an adjoining swamp, and waited 
for the dawn of day, to commence the attack. In the 
meantime. Colonel Bratton himself reconnoitered the 
position of the enemy, and actually passed through 
their line of sentinels, satisfying himself of their posi- 
tions and negligence. He then selected his own senti- 
nels, and placed one against each sentinel of the enemy, 
with orders not to strike until the first gun was fired. 
With his personal knowledge of the place, and of the 
British stations, he advanced, at the head of half of 
his men, down one end of the lane, and penetrated, 
between the sentinels of the British, into their very 
camp, before the alarm was given. Captain McClure, 
of Chester, at the head of the other half, advanced 
from the other end of the lane, with equal silence and 
success. They cut off the troopers from their j^icketed 
horses, and kept up so brisk a fire on them, that they 
could not form a line for regular action. Houk and 
Ferguson succeeded in mounting their horses, and were 
bravely aided by their officers, in endeavoring to rally 
their men for resistance ; but they were shot, and fell 
in sight of both parties. At the sight of this, not- 
withstanding the exertions of their officers, the Bri- 
tish dropped their arms and fled. The battle con- 
tinued about an hour, and a full proportion of the 
British were killed and wounded ; but, as they were on 
foot, with cavalry arms, and fired with the feelings of 
22 



338 TEADITIOlSrS AND KEMIJSnSCENCES OP 

men surprised, alarmed and surrounded, they only 
killed one of tlie wliigs — his name was Campbell. 
Houk was shot by John Carrol, who, with his brother, 
Thomas, was among the foremost in the action. There 
were also, in this action, two brothers named Ross ; 
two named Hanna ; and two named Adair — one of 
these became the distinguished General Adair; three 
named Gill, and three named Rainey ; also, four sons 
of John Moore, Senr., five sons of James Williamson, 
Senr., and three brothers of the Brattons. It was a 
band of brothers — of brother patriots, all fighting "j9r6> 
aris etfocis ; more especially so was it with the five 
Williamsons, at whose birth-place, dwelling-place, and 
father's residence, the battle was fought, and the vic- 
tory won. One of these, Samuel Williamson, was the 
first who killed his foeman in that eventful day. 

Dr. John S. Bratton, late of Winnsborough, the son 
of Colonel Bratton and of his excellent wife, Martha 
Bratton, inherited his father's, and the adjoining land — 
the battle-field. He informs us that he was but five 
years old at that time, but remembers that Houk fond- 
led him on his knee, while endeavoring to prevail on 
his mother to persuade her husbaud to join the royal- 
ists. Also, that when she refused to do so, he was 
so rudely thrown by Houk to the floor, that the blood 
gushed from his nose in consequence ; that his mother 
retired with her children to the upper story of their 
house, where, when awakened by the firing, he tried 
to peep out at " the fire-works," but she prudently pre- 
vented it, and placed him in the fire-place, that he 
might be as much protected as possible, by its walls, 
from the straggling and glancing bullets. While ly- 
ing there, a Ijall did actually pass near his head, and 
strike the hearth where he was, but missing him, he 
took it up the next morning, and treasured it as a 
prize. In the rout and pursuit of the British, this 
house became the scene of action ; and when the fami- 
ly descended from their hidiug-place, after the eugage- 
ment, the dead and wounded were lying round the 
house and in the lower rooms. To these sufiering ene- 



THE AaiERICAN EE VOLUTION. 339 

mies, his mother paid the kindest and most assiduous 
attentions ; feeding, nursing and supplying their wants 
to the best of her ability. The officer who had saved 
her life being taken prisoner, requested to be brought 
to her, confident of her grateful feelings ; and he was 
not disappointed — ^he was protected from injury, and 
hospitably entertained. This noble-minded lady, an 
example of female patriotism and heroism in South- 
Carolina, in the hour of trial and danger, risked her own 
life and all that was most dear to her on earth, rather 
than encourage her husband to desert his country, or 
shrink from his duty. In the hour of victory she 
remembered mercy, and, as a guardian angel, interposed 
to save and comfort the unfortunate among her foes. 

This victory was the first check given to British 
troops^ after the fall of Charleston ; the first time that 
their regulars had been opposed by undisciplined mili- 
tia. It had a most salutary and important effect on 
the destinies of the State.* It arrested the predatory 
warfare of the tories, re-animated the drooping spirits 
of our countrymen, and inspired them with new life 
and lively hopes. It had the immediate effect of giv- 
ing security to that neighborhood, and of adding six 
hundred men to Sumter's army, within a few days 
after the battle ; thus enabling him to make a gallant 
attack on the British station at Rocky Mount. 



CAPTAIN JOHN McCLURE. 

He was one of four sons, living in Chester District, 
near the western bank of Catawba river, at the com- 
mencement of the revolution. Their father had been 
long dead. Their mother, Mary McClure — a Spartan 
mother — was a native of North-Carolina, and sister of 
John Gaston, one of the first settlers in that part of 

* That at Mobley's being an assemblage of railitia royalists, attacked 
by whig militia. Thomas Rainey, one of the whigs, on the hesitation 
of a comrade, said, " that he had come there to fight, and he would do 
it." This was on the last of June, 1780. 



340 TEADITIOWS AKD REMTNISCEN-CES OF 

Soutli-Carolina. Many scenes of alarm and danger 
occurred during tlie youth of these brothers, by which 
their minds were trained to daring enterprises ; their 
bodies, also, were enured to fatigue and hardihood, by 
the labors of a country life in a frontier settlement. 
The invasion of all the upper country by the Cherokee 
Indians exposed them to great danger, and obliged 
them all to take refuge in a fort, hastily constructed 
for the protection of the neighboring settlers, while 
the men were proceeding to repel the foe * 

The excitinqf scenes between the Res^ulators and 
Schofilites then followed, both in North and South- 
Carolina ; and these were succeeded by the discussions 
and commotions of the revolution. The McClures 
were among the foremost in maintaining the rights of 
America, against the assumptions of Great Britain ; 
and when the British troops were overrunning the 
State, they took the field to resist them. 

Encouraged by their exemplary mother, the four 
McClures, with their three brothers-in-law, and about 
thirty of their neighbors, first attacked and defeated a 
detachment of the enemy, numbering about two hun- 
dred men — one-half of whom were British regulars. 
John McClure had previously served in the cavalry, 
under Colonel William Washington, and lost a horse 
when they were surprised and defeated near Monk's 
Corner, during the siege of Charleston. In directing 
and executing the present attack, on what was then 
called the Old Field, now Beckhamsville, in Chester 
District, the coolness and courage of John McClure, 
the captain of the Americans, were strikingly exhi- 
bited and applauded. Some of the tories defeated on 
this occasion, finding that the red coats were not in- 
vincible, and could neither defend themselves nor 
their allies, immediately changed sides, and joined the 
whigs, Ijelieving that they were now the strongest party. 
Several of these weak and vacillating men were after- 

* The lines of tliis fort may still be seen about two and a half miles 
from the Nation's Ford, 



THE AMEEICAlT REVOLUTION. 341 

Wards taken by the Britisli, and hanged by order of 
Loj'd Cornwallis. 

The next movement of McClure's company was in 
concert with Colonel Richard Winn and Colonel Wil- 
liam Bratton, at that time, of York District. This 
was for their attack on Mobley's meeting house, in 
Fairfield District. Here, too, the whigs were com- 
pletely successful ; the British adherents were routed, 
and the horses forcibly taken from the whigs, for the 
purpose of mounting the British cavalry, re-taken and 
restored to their owners. Mrs. McClure, among others, 
recovered three or four of her horses that had been 
carried off. 

After these adventures, it became unsafe for the 
parties engaged in them to remain at home. The 
camp, the scout, and even the battle-field, against an 
open enemy, were safer than a man's bed or fireside, 
against his insidious neighbors in civil war. The whigs 
now separated into detachments, and passed^ by diffe- 
rent routes, through Fairfield, Chester, York, Spartan- 
burg and Lancaster, rousing the settlers to unite, under 
General Sumter, on the borders of North-Carolina, 
On their way out, they enlisted many timid whigs, 
and were here joined by the companies under Captains 
Samuel Hammond and Richard Hampton, of South- 
Carolina, and by Colonel E. Clark, of Georgia, and 
others. It was not the disposition of any to remain 
there inactive ; they could not afford to do so. They 
were in great want of provisions themselves, in camp^ 
and their farms and families were in great danger from 
their vindictive foes. 

Colonel Turnbull was stationed at Rocky Mount, with 
a choice body of British regulars, to restrain the whigs, 
sustain the tories, and induce the wavering to join the 
royal standard. Information was received by Sumter 
that Turnbull had sent out Colonel Houk, (pronounced 
Hook,) with four hundred men, to pursue those who 
had been engaged at Mobley's. Houk, on his way, 
stopped at Mrs. McClure's, abused and struck her with 
the fiat of his sword, plundered and destroyed every 



842 TEADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

thing that they could lay their hands on, and made 
prisoners of her son, James, and her son-in-law, Edward 
Martin. These two young men were caught in the act 
of melting down the old lady's pewter dishes, and 
moulding bullets with -the metal. The new pewter 
bullets were conclusive evidence of their object, and 
the two young men were condemned to be hung the 
next day. As early as possible after the arrival of 
Houk's command at Mrs. McClure's, that lady had sent 
off her daughter, Mary, to Sumter's camp, to inform 
her two sons, John and Hugh, of what the British 
were doing, and of their numbers. All saw immedi- 
ately the object of Houk's movement, and the neces- 
sity for counteracting it. One hundred and fifty volun- 
teers set out the same evening to oppose him, under 
Colonel William Bratton and Captain John McClure. 
They had thirty miles to ride, but reached a covert, 
bordering on Houk's encampment, before day-break. 
By this time many of the volunteers had gone off, and 
Bratton's command was reduced to seventy-five men. 
They halted in this thicket for rest, but Bratton did 
not avail himself of this indulgence. The British 
camp fires were within sight of his own house, the resi- 
dence of his family. He first pushed on to ascertain 
its safety, then turned to inspect Houk's encampment — 
to see where the sentinels were stationed, and the place 
where the horses were picketed. The British were 
bivouacked at old Mr. Williamson's house, after having 
first been at Bratton's, and postponed the destruction 
of his property until the next morning. 

In the meantime, James McClure and Edward Mar- 
tin were tied and confined in an out-house or corn-crib, 
awaiting their execution. Bratton determined to sepa- 
rate, if possible, the British troopers from their horses, 
and concerted with McClure, that he, with twenty 
men, should attack the British on the eastern end of 
the lane, while the remainder of the volunteers cliarged 
upon them from the west. This was on the 12th July, 
1780. So well concerted and rapid were these charges, 
that the surprise was complete. Among the few who 



THE AMERICAIT EEVOLUTION. 343 

were able to mount tlieir horses were Houk and Fer- 
guson, and tliey were killed before tkey could rally 
tlieir men. The rest, in great confusion, being sepa- 
rated from tlieir liorses, had nothing but swords and 
pistols opposed to rifles. Many were killed and cap- 
tured, but few of the red coats reached Rocky Mount, 
and they, only by secreting themselves in the woods. 
The horses were a valuable acquisition, but the great 
object gained, was the release of James McClure and 
Edward Martin, and the preservation of the whigs, 
with their property, in all the surrounding country. 
It also convinced the wavering and timid that even 
the red coats were not invincible, and that to protect 
their families they must fight. Accordingly, they col- 
lected under Sumter, and, in a few days after Honk's 
defeat, Sumter had six hundred men under his com- 
mand. 

About this time, information was received that an- 
other party of British troops were intimidating the 
inhabitants, and inducing many of them to enlist. 
Against these, Captains Clarke, Samuel Hammond and 
James Williams were despatched. They fell in with 
another j)arty, well entrenched, under the command 
of Colonel Innis, at Musgrove's Mills, on the Enoree 
river. By a feint, the British were tempted to sally 
out and attack them. The Americans had concealed 
their riflemen, after hitching their hoi'ses ; and their 
horsemen skirmished with the British, until brought 
under the guns of the dismounted riflemen. Their fire 
was very destructive to the enemy, who being thereby 
thrown into confusion, were charged by the American 
horse, totally routed, and pursued to the bank of the 
stream, on the other side of which the fort was built. 
Here they were halted, to form a line for storming 
the fort, and while so engaged, a messenger arrived to 
inform them of General Gates' and Sumter's defeat. 
In this engagement. Colonel Innis was wounded. Cap- 
tain Eraser was killed, many of their men killed and 
wounded, and many prisoners taken. After receiving 
the disastrous news of Gates' and Sumter's defeat, the 



344 TEADITIONS ATH) EEMINlSCEISrCES OF 

Americans were obliged to retire with all possible des^ 
patch. They, however, brought off three captains 
and seventy-three privates, their prisoners, and deliv- 
ered them in North-Carolina to the commissary, sta- 
tioned at Hillsborough. This successful expedition 
having taken place at a time of general depression, 
served to encourage the whigs in North-Carolina, and 
induced many of them to join the American flag. 

About this time, information was also received of 
the inroad, called the Bloody Scout, made among the 
inhabitants of Spartanburg and Union Districts. The 
indefatigable John McClure was sent after them, but 
too late to prevent the mischief; he only came in 
time to protect the distracted families from extended 
and. continued ravages. At this time, among others, 
was killed James Knox. 

The tories heard of his coming, and took to flight. 
McClure pursued them with his party from Spartan- 
burg, through Union District, towards Ninety-Six. He 
failed to overtake the main body, but captured four of 
them, who could not keep up with the rest, either 
from the failure of their horses, or being overloaded 
with plunder, or from both causes united, and brought 
them into Sumter's cam]3. 

McClure returned to camp. On the 28th July, 1780, 
Sumter having received some small supplies of ammu- 
nition, immediately commenced his movements against 
the British at Kocky Mount. Colonel Davie, of Meck- 
lenburg, North-Carolina, who commanded the Ameri- 
can cavalry, led the advance, and took a position about 
midway between Rocky Mount and Hanging Rock. 
Sumter inclined to the right, and encamped near the 
river, at Landsford. A detachment was sent off* from 
Hanging Rock to aid those at Rocky Mount. Davie 
attacked and beat them, capturing sixty horses ; but, 
for want of infantry, was obliged to retire before the 
British infantry and their junction was effected. Mc- 
Clure was scouting in every direction, while Sumter 
occupied Landsford. He was here elected colonel of 
the Chester men, and John NLxon, lieutenant-colonel. 



THE AMEEICAN EEVOLTTnoN. - 345 

Sumter attacked Eocky Mount, about sunrise, on tlie 
morning of the 30th July, 1780. McClure's riflemen 
were engaged throughout the whole of that day. 
V Some of them set fire to the log'houses which sheltered 
the British, but a hea^'y rain came on and extinguished 
the fire. Sumter then ordered a retreat, and encamped 
that night on the very ground on which he was sur- 
prised by Colonel Tarleton, eighteen days afterwards, 
on the bank of Fishing Creek. 

Although Sumter failed in this attack on Eocky 
Mount, he was much encouraged by the bravery of all, 
and especially by the good conduct of his officers. He, 
therefore, resolved, although very short of ammunition, 
to make an immediate attack on Hanging Eock. In 
this action. Colonel McClure led one of the three 
divisions. He, as usual, was among the foremost in 
the fight. The battle was very severely contested. 
The Americans having but little ammunition, would 
make sure of a man at each shot ; and, at each dis- 
charge of a division, they would rush upon their pros- 
trate foes, replenish their empty cartouch boxes, and 
renew the fii'ins^. Bv these successive attacks, the 
seventy-fii-st regiment of British regulars was nearly 
annihilated. McClure led his division into Bryant's 
camp, fired t?\'0 rounds, then clubbed his guns, and 
took the camp. The British and tories who survived 
this engagement, fled to another British camp, about 
half a mile distant. Colonel McClure was shot through 
the thigh, early in the action, but stuffing the wound 
with wadding, he rushed ahead of his command, and 
his clear voice was still heard, urging on his men to 
the continued charge. Just as the tories fled, he fell, 
pierced by several wounds. Those near him ran up to 
his relief, but he ordered them back to the fight, and 
his voice continued to be heard, urs"in2" and encouraa^- 
ing them in the pursuit. His division sustained the 
greatest share of the loss. The victory was complete, 
and the American troops, exulting in their success, 
supplied themselves with all that they had long been 
in want of — clothes, blankets, arms and ammunition. 



846 TRADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

It must be acknowledged, also, that some partook too 
freely of what they found in their enemies' canteens. 
This was on 6th August. 

Colonel McClure was conveyed from the field, by 
easy journeys, to Charlotte, North-Carolina. His ex- 
cellent mother joined his escort at Waxhaw Church, 
nursing him and administering to his comfort. In 
Charlotte, he appeared to be recovering, and was able 
to move about the room. On the 15th August, Gates 
was defeated near Camden, and on the following days 
his flying and dispirited men continued coming into 
Charlotte, spreading alarming reports of the British 
army advancing in pursuit of them. 

In these exciting scenes. Colonel McClure became 
anxious to meet the enemy, and again resist them. 
But his wounds, although healing externally, were 
deep and dangerous. On the 18th of August, while 
walking across the room, he became suddenly ill ; his 
wounds had probably burst open within him, and he 
died shortly after of an internal hemorrhage. In the 
midst of alarm at the advance of the British army, 
Mrs. McClure and a few friends coolly determined to 
stay by the body of Colonel McClure, obtain a cofliu 
for him, and have him buried decently. 

By the sudden death of Colonel McClure, on the 
18th of August, he was saved from at least one afflic- 
tion. On the very day of his death, possibly at the 
very moment, all of his late command, his brothers in 
arms, his neighbors and friends, under General Sumter, 
were surprised on Fishing Creek, cut to pieces and 
scattered. 

In the death of Colonel John McClure, the country 
lost a hero, and his fellow-soldiers an officer, who was 
all energy and vigilance in his warfare. Revolutionary 
men spoke of him as " the bravest of the brave." 
General Davie said of him, that " of the many brave 
men, with whom it was his fortune to become ac- 
quainted in the army, he was one of the bVavest ; and 
when he fell, we looked upon it as a loss not to be 
easily calculated." 



TSE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 347 

Extracts from two letters of Joseph F. White, of 
York District, Soutli-Carolina, dated September 10, 
1848. 

" Dear Sir : — In answer to your inquiries about the encampment 
of Lord Cornwallis on Spratt's plantation, the descendants of the 
Spratt's have only a few traditionary facts and incidents of that 
period retained among them. My mother was a daughter of tho 
original Thomas Spratt, who was a violent whig of those times, and 
I distinctly recollect some of her stories of Cornwallis' encampment. 

It appears that Cornwallis, accompanied by Colonel Tarleton, was 
on his way from Charlotte to the south-western side of the Catawba 
riverj probably to the assistance of Colonel Ferguson, then in some 
extremity between Catawba and Broad river, and who, shortly after, 
Hiet his fate at King's Mountains. But it was so ordered, that nei- 
ther Cornwallis ;ior Tarleton could cross the river at that time. I 
well remmember hearing my mother speak of Colonel Tarleton 
pressing an old Irishman of that nighborhood to pilot his troops across 
the Nation Ford, and asking him to direct them. The river was 
then in a flood, and swimming from side to side, the old pilot said, 
that he believed " they plooted in ony where." According to his 
directions, they did, in considerable numbers, go in at all points 
along the bank. Immediately the horses and riders were in swim- 
ming water, and, on getting out. Colonel Tarleton cursed him for a 
foolj and struck him with the flat of his sword. 

It was said by our parents, that on the second or third day of the 
encampment, a considerable stir took place within their lines, in con- 
sequence of the report of a gun up the Charlotte road. The drums 
and bugles sounded an alarm ; a guard was detailed, immediately, 
to go and report the cause of that gun's being fired. When the 
guard arrived at the outer lines of the camp ground, they found the 
sentinel dead, who had been posted between the Charlotte road and 
the cane-break. A black oak tree, now standing, appears to have 
been one extremity of the distance assigned to him to walk ; and, on 
arriving at this end of his line, the natural supposition is, that he 
leaned against the tree, and at this instant, Alexander, one of the ter- 
rible Mecklenburg whigs, fired the fatal shot from the cane-break. 
The mark of the ball on the tree is about the height of an ordinary 
man's breast, and there never existed a doubt but that he shot him 
through the heart. Alexander was one of those who composed the 
hornet's nest club of that county, during the stay of Cornwallis at 
Charlotte. Many others of the Sugar Creek rebels were in company 
with Alexander on this occasion, but he alone ventured up within 
firing or killing distance. Long before Tarleton and his dragoons 
got to the scene of action, Alexander and his party were in the close 
brush-wood of Steel Creek, on their way back to the whig settle- 
ments of Upper Sugar Creek. The associates of Alexander were 
the Taylors, Walkers, Barnets, Polks and others, who shot Corn- 
wallis' sentries, beat up his quarters, and cut ofl" his foraging parties 



848 TBADITIOKS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

in such a way, that the British were likely to suffer for want of such 
supplies as the country could afford. The last man of this terrible 
party, Barnet, died in 1829, within two miles of Cook's Mills, on 
Big Sugar Creek." 

''January 21, 1850. 

Of the escape in the swamp, I well remember to have heard seve- 
ral of the persons of those times speak. A relation of the Spratts, 
named Elliott, was living on the plantation at the time the British 
army arrived from Charlotte. He broke and ran for the cane-thicket, 
some half or three-quarters of a mile below where the sentinel was 
killed. As soon as the alarm was given, the terrible dragoons pur^ 
sued him. His course to the swamp was a perpendicular to it, and 
that of the dragoons a parallel to cut him off from it. They thus came 
very near to each other before Elliott reached the thicket. He did, 
however, escape from the British, and made for himself a safe lodg- 
ment, as he supposed, in the densest part of the thicket. While he 
Was listening to the terrible denunciations of Tarleton's di-agoons, 
what to do, and what they would do, if they could only see .a bush 
or a cane move, this refugee felt perfectly safe, and defied the efforts 
and threats of Tarleton and his troops, so long as he could remain mo- 
tionless in the swamp ; for it was almost impervious, and a place 
that no British officer or soldier would have entered for the whole 
colony of South-Carolina. But as the terror of the dragoons began 
to subside with Elliott, still more alarming apprehensions were exci- 
ted, on his espying a most venomous moccasin of the largest size, 
which was moving along in the water and mud, and passing so near 
to hitn that in all probability it must strike him. 

It must be left to any one's imagination to conceive of a man situ- 
ted as he then was. He could not make the least defence against 
the terrible serpent, for fear of exposing himself to the pistols of the 
British troops. All that he could do in this dreadful predicament, 
was to wave his hand in a gentle manner towards the snake, by 
which it stopped its course, and threw itself into a coil, preparatory for 
battle. As soon as the danger of being seen by the British had 
passed, Mr. Elliot moved out of the way of his serpentine majesty 

The day on which Lord Cornwallis struck his camp at Spratt's, he 
caused to be hung one of his own men, who had been taken as a de- 
serter. He was executed some short distance above the spring near 
the Charlotte Rail Road. The man was left hanging, and no person 
was left on the premises to cut him down and bury him, but a small 
negro boy. A private soldier died whilst they were camped on the 
plantation. The brutal officers ordered his grave to be made in the 
yard and buried him there. My mother told me that she recollected 
hearing the lamentations of the soldier's wife, that she had no means 
of getting her husband out of purgatory, until she could meet with a 
Catholic priest. 

General Sumter was surprised near the mouth of Fishing creek, 
near where Beckhamville is now situated. Major liobcrt Crawford, 



THE AMERICAlSr REVOLUTION. 349 

of the Waxhaw settlement, was present with Sumter at the time of 
his defeat. I had two uncles who were at that disastrous defeat, but 
escaped with their lives. Colonel Tarleton, who commanded the 
British troops on that occasion, as my aunt informed me, said in a 
company at Waxhaws, that he was satisfied that the game-cock of 
South-Carolina was dead, as he had from a tory received his plume. 
The general, in swimming the river, in order to escape, lost his 
leather but saved his life. An old gentleman named Farris, of this 
district, who died twelve or fifteen years since, gave me the following 
account of his fortunes on that fatal evening, and the five or six sub- 
sequent days. He was a trooper, and shortly after the order was 
given, 'pitch camp,' he, with some others, had gone to an enclosed 
field, to put their horses to graze for the night, and just as he had 
taken off the bridle and saddle, he heard a shout in the camp. He 
ran immediately to the gate or bars, where he had leaned his musket, 
and by the time he could grasp it, two British dragoons came charg- 
ing up to the place where he stood, crying out 'surrender, you damned 
rebel.' He fired his gun at them, and before the smoke cleared 
away, they or one of them had given him a blow with a broad sword, 
that laid him senseless on the ground. Returning to his senses, he 
was tied to some three or four other prisoners, and marched to 
Camden. On the third night after arriving at Camden, he and two 
others made their escape, and although wounded and bleeding, joined 
their comrades near Charlotte, N. C, in about one week after their 
escape. Some short time after this, Farris had occasion to pass the 
scene of his mishap andsawa gravenear the spot where he fired at the 
dragoon. This was the only evidence he had of his having killed one 
of the enemy, while he received a severe sabre cut on his head from 
the other : the scar of this cut he carried to his grave. 

About two miles and three-quarters from the Nation Ford, over 
the Catawba river, is the outline of an old fort, which, tradition sa^'s, 
was built by order of the king's government, in order to protect the 
Catawba Indians from the hostility of the northern or western Indians, 
who were incited by the French on the Ohio, to murder and lay waste 
all who were at peace with the English. If so, it must have been put 
up in the reign of George I, or II. It must have been built when 
this was an entire wilderness, as there is no memory of it among the 
whites or Indians, that I could ever hear of. I recollect to have heard 
my grandflither say, that Alexander, who shot the sentry at Spratt's, 
had his rifle raised on the person of Lord Cornwallis, as he was letting 
his horse drink near a mill, now the property of Commodore 
Wilkes, four miles out of Charlotte. That in another second of time, 
his lordship would have been no more, but a companion of Alexan- 
der dissuaded him from it. Walker, who was as violent a man as 
Alexander, shot a British sentinel in the mill house just mentioned. 
The sentry was standing near to and leaning his head against a window; 
the distance pointed out to me some years since, from where Walker 
was sitting, when he fired, must have been from one hundred and 
fifty to two hundred yards. His ball took effect in the sentry's 



350 TRADITIONS AND REMHSriSCENCES OF 

head, and I was told that the stain of the blood and brains was visible 
on the window shutter until about 1820 or 1825, at which time the 
house underwent repairs, and the bloody memento was removed.." 



COLONEL WILLIAM HARDEN. 

This gentleman was a native of Barnwell District. 
He was first appointed captain of the Beaufort Artil- 
lery, by the council of safety, about the middle of 
March, 1776, and immediately placed in command of 
Fort Lyttleton, opposite to the town of Beaufort, with 
a company of eighty-five men. Here he remained 
about fourteen months, according to information de- 
rived from Tarleton Brown, an old and respectable 
inhabitant of Barnwell District. Mr. Brown said that 
he enlisted under Harden, in April, 1776, and was pro- 
bably, at that time, the only survivor in South-Caro- 
lina of all who had served under him. Mr. Brown 
also died about the year 1846. 

Harden then became a colonel of militia, in Beaufort 
and Barnwell Districts, and continued active in the 
desultory warfare of that day, under the command of 
General Stephen Bull, a brother of the late royal 
governor, William Bull. This service was chiefly re- 
quired along the southern frontier of South-Carolina, 
and occasionally on the Georgia side o"P the river. 

It Avas chiefly against the royalists or tories of that 
day, that his attention was directed, and, happily for 
the South, he was very successful. In 1779, he was 
informed that the I'oyalists and Indians had assembled, 
under Colonel Thomas Browne, of Augusta, in Geor- 
gia, and had made an inroad into South-Carolina, 
destroying the inhabitants, with their houses, cattle 
and provisions. 

Colonels Harden and McCoy hastily collected their 
fi'iends, and attacked Browne, at Wiggins' Hill, a little 
])elow Briar Creek, in Barnwell District, where he had 
made a stand. Our historians say that, on this occa- 
sion, the whigs were defeated ; but Tarleton Brown, a 



THE AMEBIC AN PwEVOLUTION. 351 

native and resident of that district, both before and 
after the revolution, informs us that the tories were 
completely routed on this occasion ; that Browne es- 
caped through the woods to Augusta ; and that he, 
(Tarleton Brown) was one of the men under Harden 
and McCoy ; that these gentlemen then left the neigh- 
borhood, and joined Marion ; " after which Colonel 
Thomas Browne returned with additional forces, re- 
took the ' hill ' at ^vv^hich he remained until he hune: 
five of our brave fellows." This explains the error in 
history. 

The fall of Charleston took place in May, 1780, and 
the whole State was, for a few weeks, overrun by the 
British and royalists. Marion kept together a few fol- 
lowers in arms, and Harden joined them, when united 
with the whiofs in Williamsburo^ District. With Ma- 
rion, he continued an active partizan, until April, 1781, 
when, having been joined by many of his former 
troopers, and some from Georgia, he proposed to Ma- 
rion a separation, that he might co-operate on the 
southern side of the State. Accordingly, with seventy- 
six followers, who had been driven from their homes 
in that portion of the State, among whom were Tarle- 
ton Brown, and his brother, Bartlet, with a respecta- 
ble proportion of Georgians, he resumed his command 
in Barnwell and Beaufort Districts. Colonel Baker, of 
Georgia, commanded a portion of this band of patriots ; 
Cooper, also of Georgia, was his major, and Tarleton 
Brown, one of his captains ; the whole number scarce- 
ly amounting to one company. 

Crossing the Edisto, at Giveham's ferry, on their 
way to Patterson's l3ridge, over the Saltkahatchie, they 
were told of a body of tories, at Red Hill, under Cap- 
tain Barton, who were infesting the neighborhood. 
Major Cooper, with a detachment, was sent after them. 
He returned, with the loss of but one man, having 
killed and captured the greater j^art of tiie enemy. 
Colonel Harden proceeded towards Pocataligo, and 
was overtaken, on a causeway, by a body of British 
cavalry, under Colonel Fenwick. A smart skirmish 



352 TEADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

ensued, in which the enemy lost one man, and had 
eight wounded, as was ascertained three or four days 
after ; the Americans lost none, but had a few wounded. 
Proceeding towards the British fort at Pocataligo, 
called Fort Balfour, Captain Taiieton Brown was sent 
forward with thirteen men, to try and draw out the 
enemy from the fort. The British had left their sick 
and wounded at a farm-house, about a quarter of a 
mile from the fort, and, as Brown approached it, he 
saw several persons running from it towards the fort. 
He immediately pursued and captured them, among 
whom were Colonels Fenwick, Lechmere and Kelsal, 
who had been out to see their wounded men. Colonel 
Harden came up soon after, without the smallest ex- 
pectation of taking the fort, but finding that the com- 
manding officers were all his prisoners, he determined 
to try Avhat could be done. Major Andrew DeVeaux 
was left in command of the fort. He was brother-in- 
law of Colonel Lechmere, and was a brave man, but 
did not know the strength, or rather the weakness, of 
the Americans. Colonel Harden made as great a dis- 
play as possible among the bushe?, which were just 
thick enough to conceal his want of cannon, and to 
magnify the supposed number of his men. He sent a 
flag to Major DeVeaux, demanding an immediate sur- 
render of the fortress, takinsr care, at the same time, 
that his prisoners should be seen and known. After a 
little parleying and discussion, the British agreed to 
surrender the fort with all it contained, and them- 
selves as prisoners on parole. They marched out, well 
armed, tied their horses to the abbatis, and grounded 
their arms. Being then ordered to march a little in 
front. Colonel Harden rode with his men between 
them and the fort, taking possession of the arms and 
horses, before his weakness was discovered ; he then 
paroled the prisoners. Captain Brown informs us that 
they amounted to one hundred and ten men, while the 
whigs were in all but eighty ; that the fort was well 
located and fortified with cannon, and all the requi- 
sites for defence and necessaries for a siege ; and that 



THE AMEEICAN REVOLUTION. 353 

it could not have been taken by one thousand men in 
the destitute situation of Colonel Harden's troops. 

This was a very important acquisition to the Ameri- 
cans. Here they found a number of their most re- 
spectable neighbors in confinement ; many others, also, 
as true patriots as these, had been compelled to join 
the British in arms. These were all armed and mounted, 
and united under Colonel Harden. An abundance of 
choice arms and ammunition was obtained, with provi- 
sions for the half-starved men and horses, and com- 
fortable clothins: for both men and officers. The chief 
advantage was, however, on the public mind; the 
whigs were encouraged in their resistance, and the 
tories restrained in their depredations. The whigs left 
the fort, loaded with the booty, and then burned it to 
the ground. Colonel Harden's command was imme- 
diately filled up with new recruits, but they were not 
like the hardy, well drilled, devoted men that he had 
brought with him from Marion's camp. There was 
great difficulty in preserving discipline among them, 
with sufficient good humor to promote the good of the 
service. Two anecdotes told to me by one of Harden's 
men, may show some of these irregularities. One of 
these new men had been all his life addicted to hunt- 
ing, and was still in the habit of leaving the camp, and 
even his place in the line of march, for a still liuiit^ 
wherever he saw a good drive, or a probable shelter 
for deer. He had been repeatedly warned that the 
tories would catch or kill him, but without eftect, and 
his friends determined to try another plan. Two of 
them seeing him enter a hammock, rode round it to 
head and scare him. They first whistled in concert to 
draw his attention, then called to each other, in diffe- 
rent tones of voice, to alarm him as to their number, 
" here he is," " catch him," " don't let him escape," " kill 
him," &c., crack went a gun. The young fellow dashed 
at full speed, through the thicket, and never drew up 
until he reached his company. Being then asked what 
was the matter, he told his comrades that he had been 
attacked by a great number of tories, who had tried 
"23 . • 



354 TEADITIOlSrS AND EEIMINISCENCES OF 

to take liim and tlien to slioot liim, but that he had 
beat them off and escaped. His gasconade afforded 
his friends a good humored laugh, and he was satisfied 
to quit hunting, if they would cease their jests. 

The other occurred in a march, when the troops 
were passing through a lane, in front of a good farm- 
house, where, among other comforts, the owner had 
bees. One of the men in the rear-guard took up a 
bee-hive by the top, put it on his shoulder, clapped 
spurs to his horse, and galloped ahead, passing along 
the whole line of horsemen. The bees immediately 
flew out for vengeance, but not on him who carried 
the hive ; he went too fast for that ; but, as he hur- 
ried along the ranks, the bees attacked the nearest 
objects, as they flew from the hive. The horses, of 
course, immediately began to kick, and rear and fling — 
throwing their riders — and the riders cursing " like 
troopers," quarrelling with each other, and boxing like 
bullies ; few knowing the cause of the commotion, but 
all being in the greatest confusion imaginable. Some 
came ofl' with swollen lips, from the sting of the bees ; 
others with their eyes shut up ; and a few with their 
noses enlarged, resembling their powder horns ; while 
some got broken shins and other bruises, from their 
neighbors, or their horses. The mischievous wight 
escaped unhurt, with his hive, and at noon they all 
made friends, while partaking of his honey. 

After a series of pursuits, flights and skirmishes, the 
tories left the middle country, and took refuge in the 
forts at Augusta. 



THE SIEGE OF AUGUSTA. 

This was brought about by a concurrence of causes, 
not originally pointed at this object. After the battle 
of Guildford, General Greene determined to return 
into South-Carolina, and detached Majors Samuel Ham- 
mond, of South-Carolina, and James Jackson, of Geor- 
gia, from his army in North-Carolina, with orders to 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 355 

penetrate tlirougli to tlie Savannali river, and open a 
communication witli the friends of independence on 
both sides, that thej- might support him in his progress 
southward. On their arrival in Ninety-Six District, 
they immediately sent for General Andrew Williamson 
and General Pickens, the highest in command, and 
most influential men in that part of the country. 
They both attended at the call, and were informed of 
General Greene's views, and invited to unite with him, 
or them, in aid of the American cause. They both 
stated that they were prisoners on parole, on the terms 
of capitulation in Charleston ; admitted that those terms 
had been violated by the British, in ordering out the 
men thus paroled, to bear arms against their own rela- 
tives and friends, without exchange or violation on 
their part ; but that no such order had been issued to 
them, and they, therefore, were not warranted in break- 
ing their paroles. The British commander was imme- 
diately informed of those Americans in Ninety-Six 
District, and issued the very order which determined 
the parties. General Williamson submitted to the 
call, and came down to Charleston to the British au- 
thorities. General Pickens, on the contrary, broke his 
parole, joined his countrymen in arms, and took com- 
mand of them. Colonel Clarke, of Georgia, was sent 
across the river, with all of his countrymen who could 
be assembled ; and, although he had no cannon, he 
collected a fine body of riflemen. 

After the capture of Fort Balfour, Colonel Harden 
advanced up the Savannah, with the intention of pro- 
tecting the wliigs who had suffered cruelly in that 
part of the State. Colonel Clarke's command fell in 
with a flotilla of boats, conveying supplies from Savan- 
nah to the garrisons of the three forts defending Au- 
gusta. Clarke attacked them so vigorously, and kept 
up so galling a fire, that they all took refuge under 
the guns of the lower fort, called, by the Americans, 
Fort Galphin, but, by the British, called Fort Dread- 
nought, Clarke then despatched a messenger to Har- 
den, to hasten with his field-pieces taken in Fort Bal- 



S56 TEADITIONS AND EEMIXISCENCES OF 

four, and unite in taking botli the fort and flotilla. 
Even wlien united, tliey made but little progress 
against regulars protected by their breast-works and 
heavy cannon. 

Pickens was also informed of the proceedings under 
Clarke and Harden, and moved towards the two forts 
in Augusta, lest they should send down a force to raise 
the siege of Fort Galphin, and all three were thus in- 
vested without preconcert, or plan, by the militia officers. 

Sumtei' was at the same time besieging the Bi'itish 
at Granby, on the Congaree. Lee joined him with his 
legion, and aided essentially in the capitulation, Avhich 
could not, on account of the virulence loetween whig 
and tory, have been otherwise effected. This being 
completed, Lee hurried across, by forced marches, to 
aid in the siege of Augusta. On his arrival, he sent 
down Captain Rudolph to aid with his regulars, and 
conduct the siege of Fort Galphin. Terms were pro- 
posed for its surrender, and the capitulation was signed 
by Captain Rudolph.* 

This fort was on Silver Bluff, now owned l)y Ex-Go- 
vernor Hammond, but at that time by George Galphin, 
Assistant Superintendant of Indian Affairs ; a devoted 
friend to the American cause. By his influence among 
the Indians, he prevented much bloodshed, and fre- 
quently assisted the Americans in theii' wants, general 
and indi\ddual, with his fortune, which was considerable; 
and on all occasions, evinced his attachment to the 
principles for which they were contending. 

On the surrender of Fort Galphin, the whole Ame- 
rican force collected on the Georgia side of the river. 
Colonel Grierson commanded in the British fort west 
of Augusta, — seemg a detachment paraded to storm his 
breast-work, and having exhausted all his resources, 

* This surrender was of immense importance to this southern di- 
vision of the army. A hirgc amount of arms and military stores was 
surrendered in the fort ; the boats were loaded with blankets, cloth- 
ing, small arms, ammunition, salt and hospital stores — all of inesti- 
mable value to the Americans. But for this seasonable supply, it is 
even doubtful if the siege of Fort Cornwallis could have been suc- 
cessfully prosecuted. 



THE AMEEICAN EEVOLOTION. 357 

attempted a junction with Colonel Browne, in his strong 
hold, called Fort Cornwallis, on the eastern side of the 
town. 

Major Samuel Haounond was ordered, with two of 
his companies, to lead in the assault, as the forlorn 
hope against Fort Grierson. Every second man was 
furnished with an axe ; they advanced at a given sig- 
nal, over the bridge, across the ravine, pressed on be- 
tween it and the river, and rushing up to the gate of 
the fort, cut away the stockade and palisade. The 
assailants were astonished to find that they were 
not resisted ; they pressed forward and mounted the 
parapet, but now found that the enemy had fled. Like 
greyhounds straining on the leash, the storming party, 
scarcely restrained by discipline, pursued upon the trail 
of their retreating foes. They were overtaken passing 
under cover of the river bank, attacked, routed and 
many captured. Grierson himself escaped to Fort Corn- 
wallis, but was taken when it surrendered, and while a 
prisoner, was shot at and killed by some one, at that 
time unknown.* 

Browne, who commanded in Fort Cornwallis, was a 
bi'ave man ; having been severe and even cruel in his 
treatment of American prisoners, he made up his mind, 
that his best chance for safety was in the fort, and in 
defending it to the utmost. Pickens constructed a 
battery so as to enfilade the British fort, and Captain 
William Martin, of the artillery, who commanded it 
raked the enemy's platform with his cannon balls 
Browne had collected a number of negroes, at least 
two hundred, as laborers and artificers, in his fort. 
With these he soon constructed traverses across his 
platform, to protect his cannoniers from Captain Mar- 
tin's guns, and kept up so gallmg a fire, both from can- 
non and rifles, that Captain Martin, among others, was 
killed in the fort ; a rifle ball had entered his forehead. 
Pickens did not relax in his advances to support his 
battery, and counteract the protection enjoyed by the 

*This fort stood, as I am told, a little to the west of the bridge, on 
the lot where the Episcopal Church is now built. 



358 TEADITIONS AISTD EEMINISCENCES 05* 

enemy, screened by their breast-works and traverses* 
With great labor lie constructed a Maliam's tower, built 
of pine logs, so internotclied as to be firmly connected, 
and so liigli that his marksmen commanded every part 
of Browne's platform, and rendered his camion useless. 
Browne made a desj^erate sally on the l)esiegers at this 
point, intending to burn their impending tower. He 
was met at his trenches by a party of the besiegers, 
who, with great bravery, attacked him at the point of 
the bayonet, and drove him back through his sally port, 
with great loss, and without having destroyed the tow- 
er. The two parties fought . with great fury ; the 
British were defeated, but not vanquished. Browne still 
had other resources. Bags of sand were piled on the 
ramparts, and his mfantiy kept up an unceasmg fire, 
while the cannoniers, thus protected, w^ere enabled to 
batter the tower and redoubt. But his barriers of sand 
bags were demolished as fast, or faster than they could 
be supplied. The British were driven from the plat- 
form; but it was only to occupy a new position of greater 
security. Browne made his negro artificers dig holes 
back of the platform and under it, like casemates, fill 
bags with the earth thus excavated, and arrange them 
on the platform, so as to afford him and his men a 
double bari'ier against the besiegers. While thus pro- 
tected, they killed many of the Ameiicans. 

To screen themselves from these sharp-shooters, the 
besiegers covered the front of their tower with rolls of 
cowhides, so as to form port-holes, through which they 
returned Browne's galling fire with interest. His men, 
nothing daunted, being protected by the bags of sand, 
which small arms could not demolish, and which the 
cannon balls could not reach, because obstructed by 
the traverses, watched the openings in these rolls of 
hides, and when the sky-light was obscured, they 
would fire instantly, knowing that something was ob* 
structing the light, and that a rifle ball, fired at that 
object, might probably kill one of tlieir enemies. To 
counteract this vigilance of the British, several of the 
Americans w^ould unite to draw the fire of the enemy: 



*h:e ajuerican revolution. 359 

tliat one should raise an old liat on a stick or ramrod, 
above the screen or l^reast-work, tliat tlie enemy migM 
fire at it, wlien tlie American platoon instantly fired 
where they saw the flash of the gun. 

To reach the British, thus protected by their sand 
bags, traverses and breast-works, General Pickens con- 
structed an additional tower, which commanded the 
whole of the British fort. In this extremity, Browne 
and Grierson resorted to the inhuman expedient of 
bringing out on the platform a number of aged persons, 
the parents, relatives and friends of the besiegers, and 
thus interposing as a screen for his own men — a living 
screen. Amono^ them was old Mr. Alexander, too far 
advanced in age to bear arms, or otherwise unite m 
hostilities. Hostilities were immediately suspended by 
the besiegers, and the sturdy rifleman upraised his 
leveled gun. 

General Pickens immediately sent in a flag, to nego- 
tiate for those and all other prisoners on terms of ex- 
change, or on any other terms. Browne refused the 
ofter, saying, " Many reasons, to which you cannot be 
strangers, forbid my complying with this requisition. 
Such attention as I can, consistent with good policy and 
■my duty^ shall be shown them." 

When this reply was made known in the American 
camp, the men became outrageous, and anxious to des- 
troy such inhurdan monsters. To effect this, they dis- 
regarded their own safety ; their only care was that no 
shot should miss its mark. More execution was now 
done on both sides than ever. Thus was the siege 
protracted more than three weeks, with great bravery 
on both sides, but with greater mahgnancy. 

When Colonel Lee arrived with his well dressed and 
'^^ell mounted legion from Granby, Browne was soon 
informed that numbers were now seen in continental 
uniforms among the besiegers. He prevailed on a lady, 
who was neither old nor ugly, to become a spy, to as- 
certain the fact, and the name of the commander of 
those troops. Lieutenant Manning, a favorite ofiScer 
of Colonel Lee — one as brave as he was gallant, and as 



360 TEADITIONS AND EEMESTISCENCES OF 

fond of a figlit as lie was of a frolic, told of tliis adven- 
ture witli mucli liumor. He happened to be off duty, 
taking a walk, wlien ke met with tkis lady. He ac- 
costed ker very poktely, and tkey walked on togetker, 
becoming more and more sociable, after every compli- 
ment tkat ke paid ker. Ske inquired if ke belonged to 
tke regulars, and ke assured ker tkat all of Lee's legion 
were regular gentlemen ; particularly tkeii* commander. 
Colonel Lee, wko was a Virginia gentleman, and offered 
to introduce ker to kim. Tkis was just wkat tke lady 
wanted; Manning conducted ker to Lee's quarters and 
took Ms leave. Tkey were soon so vv ell pleased witk 
eack otker, tkat a negotiation was commenced, wkick 
terminated in tke capitulation of — not tke lady, gentle 
reader, I did not say tkat — but of Colonel Browne and 
kis wkole command. Also, in tke konorable, tkougk 
difficult preservation of kis life and tkose of kis troops, 
Colonel Grierson excepted. 

General Pickens, wko commanded tke Americans, 
was equally kumane and konorable witk Colonel Lee : 
ke would kave done kis best to protect tke prisoners, 
but kad not tke regular troops in wkose discipline ke 
could confide. Browne tkougkt so, and would not trust 
tke miktia, — -and ke was rigkt, for after tke surrender, 
Grierson was killed by one of tkem, and Major AVil- 
Hams was wounded in tke skoulder at tke same time 
but not killed. Pickens offered a reward for tke disco- 
very of tke man wko killed kim, but none would give 
tke information. McCall, in kis kistory of tkose trans- 
actions, says tkat it was suspected at tke time, in camp, 
tkat Grierson's kfe was taken in revenge for tke ill- 
treatment received by old Mi*. Alexander, from kis 
kands. Tarlton Brown, a respectable inkabitant of 
Barnwell district, publisked in 1843, tke first direct in- 
formation on tke subject, tkat I kave met witk. He 
confirms McCall's intimation, by tke following words : 
" Captain Alexander skooting Grierson for kis vUlanous 
conduct in tke country." One part of tkis \dlkmous 
conduct was, kis exposing kis aged jnisoners, among 
wkom was tke fatker of Captain James Alexandei', and 



THE AMEEICAK EEVOLUTIOK. 361 

otliers too old to bear arms, to tlie fire of tlieir"relative9 
and friends, for tlae purpose of screening Ms men from 
the besiegers. Various attempts to kill Browne, also, 
were made, after bis surrender, but the vigilance of tbe 
officers and the discipline of tbe legion protected bim. 
Tarlton Brown, a captain under Colonel Harden, de- 
clares tbat be went, witb otbers, in a boat down tbe 
river, to try and kill Browne, wbile on bis way to Sa- 
vannab. He tbougbt it patriotic and meritorious to 
kill sucb a man, altbougb bis safety was guaranteed by 
capitulation. He certainly did wrong, but sore indeed 
were tbe injuries be bad suffered. Repeated attempts 
bad been made to capture and murder bim ; bis aged 
fatbei' and bis youngest brotber, a cbild, bad been mur- 
dered in tbeir own bomestead. Wbile be was in 
Marion's camp, bis aged motlier and tbe rest of tbe 
family bad saved tbeir lives by secreting tbemselves in 
tbe woods, wbile tbe tories under McGirtb and Colonel 
Browne, were ravaging and burning tbeir comfortable 
farm, and otber settlements in tbat neigbborbood. His 
father's family became destitute and dependent on tbe 
kindness of neighbors in consequence of these outrages 
on humanity. 

" Can'st thou 
Pluck from the memory a rooted sorrow? 
Raze out the written troubles of the brain 
Which weigh upon the heart ?" 

After tbe surrender of Augusta, the American forces 
followed the retiring British troops towards the sea 
coast. Many skirmishes ensued, and some reverses were 
experienced. Colonel Harden's command was active in 
the south, co-operatmg witb Marion and Sumter in the 
north-eastern part of the State. In one of Harden's 
expeditions, his advance under Colonel Hayne ap- 
proached within eight miles of the city, on the Dorches- 
ter road, and captured General Andrew Williamson, in 
a situation not creditable to bim as a man of family. 

In this disastrous exj^edition of Colonel Isaac Hayne, 
he was mounted on a very fine horse of his own train- 
ing, called King Herod ; but the horse had been foun- 



362 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCI^NCES OF 

derecl, and during his master's inactivity, lie liad become 
too fat and heavy for a trooper. In the early part of 
that day, while in pursuit of Williamson, the horse had 
been heated and fatigued. Colonel Hayne had left his 
command to continue their retreat along the main road, 
and turned into the plantation of Mrs. Ford, about four 
miles beyond Parker's ferry, with a few followers, 
among whom was the late Charles Glover. In a very 
little while, a company of British cavalry was seen gal- 
loping up the avenue, and Colonel Hayne endeavored to 
escape, by crossing the rice-fields back of the plantation. 
Captain Campbell, (called crazy Campbell,) who com^ 
manded that company, saw and pursued him. Mr. Glov-^ 
er and most of the party escaped. Colonel Hayne soon 
found that his horse was much fatigued, or too heavy 
for his purpose, and when he came to a fence, the horse 
balked. Colonel Hayne did not spur him to leap over it, 
but alighted to pull it down, and thus facilitated the cros- 
sing of his pursuers. Captain Campbell afterwards said, 
that when he saw this, he considered his success sure^ 
and he evidently gained on Colonel Hayne. Shortly 
after, in leaping a ditch, the side of it caved. Colonel 
Hayne's horse fell, and he was captured. 

Campbell was, however, indignant at the execution 
of his gallant prisoner, and declared that if he could 
have suspected such might be his fate, he would rather 
have killed him, in the pursuit, with his own hand, that 
he might have died the death of a soldier. 

Among the disasters of that day, was the death of a 
young man of great respectability, named McLochlin, 
who was literally chopped to pieces by the British dra- 
goons, under Major Thomas Fraser, who commanded, in 
this ex]iedition, the whole cavalry. Frasei' was a na- 
tive of South-Carolina — a brother of Major Charles 
Fraser, the head of the military police established in 
Charleston, and therefore designated " the town Major." 
Major Thomas Fraser married and I'emained in this 
State after the revolution, without resia-iiino: his British 
commission. He continued to receive half-pay as long 
as he lived, and at his death his widow received a pen- 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLtJTIOK. 363 

sion from the Britisli government. Fraser commanded 
the whole of the British cavalry, in this expedition 
against Colonel Hayne ; and was, of course, not favor- 
ably considered among Carolinians. After the revolu- 
tion he engaged in the lumber business, and established 
saw mills on the Edisto river, but did not appear to 
prosper. After this he became a factor or commission 
merchant, in Charleston. The death of McLochlin 
was occasionally spoken of with censure attached 
to Fraser for the transaction. Daniel Cahil, who sub- 
sequently hved near Dorchester, was his clerk at this 
time, and hearing these censures, took the part of his 
employer, and on one occasion blows ensued. Fraser 
spoke to Cahil on the subject next day, and begged 
that he would not take any notice of such remarks. He 
said that, in military expeditions, things were done 
which the commander had not ordered and could not 
prevent ; that McLochlin, when pursued, had succeed- 
ed in leaping a fence, and was considered safe ; that he 
had previously fired one pistol, and now fired the other 
at Major Fraser, and would have killed him, but that 
the ball was intercepted by his saddle-bow, into which 
it lodged ; that being now disarmed, his men pursued 
him over the fence and killed him, under theii' excite- 
ment at his attempt to take the life of their commander^ 

Major Fraser also commanded the detachment which 
attacked Greneral Marion's infantry, in the absence of 
his cavalry, at Fair Lawn, and was defeated by the sharp- 
shooters, sheltered among the lower branches of the 
cedars which formed the avenue. His horses could not 
be forced through the thick branches, and their riders 
were openly exposed to the deliberate fire of the infantry. 
Fraser, of course, retreated ; but in his retreat acciden- 
tally fell in with the baggage of Marion's brigade, and 
these, the spoils of war, enabled him to boast of victory. 

About this time. Governor Rutledge, overlooking 
the ser^dces of Colonel Plarden, appointed Colonel John 
Barnwell general in that division of the State. If both 
had been promoted, at the same time, all would have 
been pleased; but Colonel Harden retired from his com- 



3 6 -4 TRADITIONS AND EE^nKISCENCES OF 

mand, and resigned his commission. He did not, liow- 
ever, cease his active career of usefuhiess. He was 
always patroling and scouting in every direction, 
thi-ough that pai"t of the country, preventing the de- 
predations which would otherwise have been com- 
mitted. 



CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 

The fii'st Maryland regiment, commanded by Colonel 
Gunby, was very highly considered by Gen. Greene — • 
ever ready to encounter clanger at the word of com- 
mand, and ever ready to lead in battle, under the most 
discouraging circumstances. It had conquered at the 
battle of Cowpens, and acquired the highest distinction 
at the battle of Guildford; yet, at the battle ofHobkirk, 
near Camden, they had been thrown into confusion 
and retreated disgracefully. Captain John Smith, 
commanding a light infantry company in that regi- 
ment, was not with them at this time; he was j^articu- 
larly distinguished at the battle of Guildford, as well as 
that of Hobkirk. At the head of his company he 
charged the enemy's line at Guildford; encountered 
Captain Stewart,of the guards, in the open field, and slew 
him. He also slew, as the Britisk asserted, on that 
occasion, two or three of Stewart's men. He had been 
detached from the Maryland line, by General Greene, 
at Hobkirk, for the protection of the artillery, and not 
only avoided their disgrace, on that occasion, but ac- 
quired additional honors. His company then consisted 
of forty-five men ; they were all Irishmen, and all under 
thirty years of age.''' They continued to defend the 
I'etreating artillery, and finally preserved it until 
Washington came up with his cavalry, at the critical mo- 
ment when Smith's men having been reduced to fifteen, 
the enemy overpowered them, and all were either killed 
or taken prisoners. Smith was wounded and captured 

* See Johnson's life of Greene, vol. 2, page 82. 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTIOlSr. 365 

among the survivors. On being carried into Camden, 
Lord Eawdon ordered him into close confinement, 
under a misrepresentation of his conduct at Guildford, 
where he was said to have killed two or three men 
after they had surrendered. The charge having been 
disproved by the united testimony of Greene, Wash- 
ington and Howard, he was sent down to Charleston on 
parole, and on foot. Some persons connected with the 
British army, in disguise, calling themselves whigs, 
seized him a few miles below Camden, stripped him, 
tied him up and whipped him with switches on his bare 
back. 

On his arrival in Charleston, his character for bra- 
very being known, he became intimate with a num- 
ber of British officers of kindred spirits — equally 
honorable and equally brave. Dining one day with 
some of them, an officer was introduced, whom he im- 
mediately recognized as one of those who had treated 
him so ignominiously. Smith took occasion to say, that 
their whole deportment to him had been so honorable, 
that it was a pity any dishonorable fellow should in- 
trude among them. The officers called upon him to 
explain, as they suffered no such intrusion intj their 
society. He accordingly pointed out the man, and de- 
clared the treatment received from him and his associ- 
ates, while a prisoner on parole. " Then kick him. 
Smith," was the general reply; and Smith had the gra- 
tification of kicking the rascal out of the company. 
Many years after these events I knew Captain Smith 
well; he was styled "the hero of Hobkirk," and com- 
missioned by President John Adams in the armament 
against France. 

Mr. Thomas Ferguson was a gentleman, elevated by 
his own merits, from a lowly situation in life. He was 
born on a piece of land seven or eight miles north of 
Charleston, between the Dorchester and Goose Creek 
roads; and when an infant, was removed by his parents 
on a pillow, to Parker's ferry, of which they had become 
the managers. His father kept the ferry many years, 



366 TEADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

probably under a lease.* Wliile a boy, lie engaged in 
all the active pursuits of a country life, and grew up 
in all the exposures and labor of carting, ploughing, 
cattle-hunting, cfec. ; he conciliated the favor and 
confidence of the neighbors, and readily obtained em- 
ployment when of an age to undertake it. Mr. John 
Parker, afterwards a member of Congress, was then a 
boy, and heir to the ferry ; he became personally at- 
tached to young Ferguson, and named one of his sons 
" Ferguson," after his friend. His first outfit in life was 
very limited ; he had but two negroes, and labored in 
common with them, even in sawing out lumber by 
hand — sometimes on the top of the saw-pit, sometimes 
below. Increasing yearly in the estimation of his 
neighbors, he first became an overseer, and finally rose 
to be the manager of five or six plantations. 

Mr. Ferguson soon became independent, popular and 
influential. He married happily and advantageously ; 
his first wife being an Elliott. At the commencement 
of the American revolution, he took an active part in 
all the movements opposed to the royal abuses of power, 
and to the advocates and adherents of those abuses. 
In 1765, he made a decided stand against the stamp 
act. As a member of the Commons House of Assembly, 
he engaged in all the clashings of that body with the 
governor and privy council. In 1774, he joined the 
Provincial Congress in promotion of the Continental 
Union, by uniting in the associations against commer- 
cial intercourse with Great Britain, by sending dele- 
gates to the National Congress, and by adopting a new 
constitution for the State. Under this constitution, he 
was not only elected one of the governor's council, but 
one of the legislative council, which corresponds with 
our Senate. They also organized the courts of justice, 
established a court of Admiralty, authorised reprisals, 
issued paper money, and commissioned the ofiicers for 
three i/egiments. 

Mr. Ferguson continued conspicuous in the admiuis- 

* In the udvertisements of tliat period, it was sometimes called Fer- 
giisou's, but more commouly Parker's ferry. 



THE AMEEICAN EEVOLUTION. 36T 

tration of State affairs, to the close of his active and 
valuable life. When Provost besieged Charleston, he 
voted against the measure proposed by the governor 
and council, for holding this place neutral during the 
war ; he thought it dishonorable in our alliance with 
the other States of the Union. When Charleston fell, 
he was at his post, sharing in the dangers and priva- 
tions of his fellow-citizens. When the terms of capitu- 
lation were violated by the British, he was one of the 
first arrested, put on board of a prison-ship, and exiled 
to St. Augustine. 

At the close of the revolution, he resumed the long 
neglected management of his estate, but found himself 
in debt. With characteristic energy, he not only ap- 
plied himself diligently to his planting interests, but 
established mills on the Edisto river, building a dam 
across it to acquire new and more uniform power. He 
also made arrangements for building small vessels at 
Slan's Island, in which to send part of his sawed lumber 
to the West Indies, and there to sell both vessel and 
cargo. When his project was on the eve of comple- 
tion, he died ; and the mills, instead of being very pro- 
fitable, only served to involve his estate in greater 
difiiculties. 

The extensive planting interests of Mr. Ferguson, 
obliged him to live much in the country. His family 
being exposed to the exhalations prevailing in the low 
country, suffered from sickness and death. His first 
wife died childless. After a while, he married the 
widow North, of the Perry family, and had two child- 
ren, James and Anne — the latter of whom became Mrs. 
Charles Elliott, and subsequently, Mrs. Richard Ber- 
resford. His third wife was Miss Martha O'Reilly, hj 
whom he had four sons, who grew up and married. 
The portraits of this lady and of her husband are ]3re- 
served, and a handsomer couple is rarely seen. He 
next married a daughter of General Gadsden, the 
widow of Andrew Rutledge.* His fifth wife was Miss 

* An extraordinary intimacy and attachment existed between Gene- 
ral Gadsden and Mr. Ferguson, and continued to the end of their lives. 



'368 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

Wragg, wlio survived him, "witli two sons, Colonel 
James and Dr. Samuel Ferguson — the latter of whom 
died young ; the former is still living and has a family. 

Extracts of a letter from Governor George Bryan, 
of Pennsylvania, to his lady, at Newark, Delaware. 
The original is in the collection of Mr. I. K. TefPt, of 
Savannah. 

Mr. Tefffc says of the writer — " He was Judge of the 
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania; member of the Con- 
gress of 1765; Vice-President of the Supreme Execu- 
tive Council, after the Declaration of Independence ; 
and in 1788, advanced to the head of the government 
of Pennsylvania. He died in 1791." 

[Copy.] 

" Philadelphia, Ath Juhj, 1777. 

My partner and friend : 

It is now near eight in the evening. This has 

been a day of feasting and the anniversary of independence, which 

has, as such, been much noticed. I am just returned from dining 

with Congress at the City Tavern. 

******* 

We have ordered out constables and watchmen, and expect two 
hundred soldiers to patrole, and that all illuminations aud bonfires 
are to be put out at eleven this night. Perhaps some disorders may 
happen, but we were willing to give the idea of rejoicing its swing. 
The spirits of the whigs must be kept up. 

One thousand Carolinians paraded under arms in Second-street, 
and were reviewed by Congress and Generals Gates and Arnold. 
Two companies of artillery and a company of Georgian foot per- 
formed a '•'■feu de joie.^^ The Maryland light horse attended, and 
were reviewed. The gallies and ships came up and paid their com- 
pliments, 

I am, my dearest madam, 

your most devoted lover and partner and friend, 
(Signed) GEORGE BRYAN." 



KINDNESS OF THE PENNSYLVANIANS. 

On the arrival of the Carolina exiles in Philadelphia, 
they found many other inhabitants of the three South- 



THE AMEEICAN EE VOLUTION". 369 

ern States, wlio had taken refuge in tlie Middle States 
from tlie dangers and troubles wliicli harrassed them 
in their homes. The first who arrived were termed 
refugees, with some propriety — the last, the exiles, 
were confounded with them, because they all came 
from the South, and were all in distress — some in want. 
The kind-hearted Philadelphians, though apparently 
formal and cold in their deportment, generously af- 
forded every possible aid to the wants of these new 
residents. Contributions were raised and distributed, 
habitations sought for to accommodate them, some 
entire houses offered free of expense ; while others 
were received by the Philadelphians under their own 
roofs, into the bosom of their own families. Although 
the feelings of these exiles were sometimes hurt, by 
hearing the word " refugees," it was used as a term of 
compassion and good will, not of slight or reproach. 
The Pennsylvanians even relaxed their laws relative to 
slaves, to favor the Southerners in the emplojmient and 
sale of their servants, in case of need. To the Caroli- 
nians Philadelphia was, in truth, as in name, a place of 
brotherly love ; and many grateful interchanges of 
friendship continued, not only during the life of the 
parties receiving and conferring such acts of kindness, 
but between their descendants to a late day. The 
children went together to the same schools, were play- 
mates, and continued their friendly intercourse, in 
some instances, until within a few years. 

On our arrival in Philadelphia, my father, with his 
wife and five children, were welcomed into the family 
of Daniel Latham, a distiller in South Front-street, and 
stayed with them until Mr. Joseph Dean offered them 
the use of his cottage on the Schuylkill, between Fair- 
mount and the floating bridge, (now the elegant stone 
bridge) then kept by Joseph Ogden. Many acts of 
kindness and of hospitality were received from both 
these families. I was but five years old at that time, 
but still remember my early impressions. My brothers, 
being older, would roam about among the farms, and, 
as Southerners, were kindly treated, and always re- 

24 



370 TEADITIOlSrS AND REMINISCENCES OP 

turned home witb. as many apples as tlie}^ could eat, 
and frequently as many as they could carry. 

While here, the French cavalry, under the Duke de 
Lauzun, were encamped withhi a quarter of a mile of 
our residence, preparatory to the capture of Corn- 
wallis, and I remember to have seen, at a distance, the 
whole division of the American and French army, on 
their march over that floating bridge, with their bag- 
gage wagons and heavy artillery. I was told that it 
settled a little, but that the water did not rise above 
the soldiers' shoes. I remember, also, seeing at a dis- 
tance the illumination of the city of Philadelphia, on 
receiving the glad tidings of Lord Cornwallis' surren- 
der at Yorktown. Congress was then in session, late 
at night, and their messenger, on receiving the des- 
patches with the news, ran to deliver them in the 
highest excitement and joy. He had scarcely entered 
the hall, when he fell dead with apoplexy.* The news 
of this surrender was immediately made known at the 
guard-house ; and the relief taking place shortly after, 
the watchmen next going out, were full of it. Being 
all Dutchmen, they went through every part of the 
city, crying, " Bast twelfe o'glock, and Cornwallis es 
dagen." Mr. Thomas Legare, who was, at the time, in 
Philadelphia, hearing this unusual cry, called out of 
the window to the watchman, asking, " do you say 
Cornwallis is taken V " Yaw," was the only answer 
given, and that was enough. 

Mr. Legare's sufferings, after the fall of Charleston, 
were, in some respects, peculiar. He was confined, 
with his son, James, on board of the prison-ship, until 
exchanged, under the negotiation of Major Hearn, 
when they were to be sent to some port on the Chesa- 
peake or Delaware. The ship, on board of which 
these gentlemen, with Messrs. Job Palmer, John B. 
Holmes and John Edwards, were sent, landed them, 
not at aport^ but at the mouth of James river, on a 
desolate sand bank, (probably on Crany Island, on 

* See Dr. Benjamin Rush's Medical Lectures. 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 371 

which an American fort has since been built,) sepa- 
rated from the main land by a wide channel. The 
prisoners remonstrated, but the captain declared that 
such had been his private instructions, and there the 
ship left them, without a drop of water or a mouthful 
of food. The party having nothing before them but 
the horrors of starvation, most of them sat down in 
despair. But Mr. Legare went searching about, and 
discovered the end of a boat projecting out of the 
sand on the beach. With the assistance of his son, 
James, and Mr. Palmer, he dug out the boat, and found 
it to be sound, except a hole in the bottom, made by a 
ball fired through her. They caulked the hole with a 
jDart of their clothing, and in this boat they all escaped 
to the main land. 

As soon after as they could procure horses, Mr. 
Legare and his companions set out, by land, to return 
home. They reached Goose Creek, sixteen or eighteen 
miles from Charleston, before they received any tidings 
of what had been passing in their absence. There they 
met Mrs. William Elliott in the road. She exclaimed, 
*' Mr. Legare, where are you going ? do you not know 
that all your families have been sent to Philadelphia ?" 
She then told the particulars of their expulsion, and 
they with heavy hearts turned back towards Philadel- 
phia ; Mr. James Legare, however, remained and joined 
General Greene's army. In this journey their money 
was exhausted, and but for the generous hospitality of 
some gentlemen of Virginia, they could scarcely have 
effected a meeting with their families. 

When the winter set in, my father moved his family 
into the city, having hired a house in Loxley's Court, 
nearly opposite to the present splendid Commercial 
Hall and Post Office in South Third-street. He had 
hired out his two blacksmiths, and wished to obtain 
employment for himself in the same line ; but he was 
especially anxious to put my three brothers to school ; 
these were his motives for moving-. Havins^ failed to 
obtam employment, he, however, secured the friend- 
ship of Mr. Peter Browne, in Kensington, which con- 



372 TEADITIONS AKD EEMINISCENCES OF 

tinued until death witli the utmost cordiality and mu- 
tual attachment. Mr. Browne was a Quaker by edu- 
cation, but a patriot at heart. When his rights were 
invaded, he did not hesitate to defend them, as if per- 
sonally assaulted he would have repulsed the assailant. 
When General Washington was retreating through 
New-Jersey, with but a handful of men, before an 
overwhelming number of the British forces, General 
Cadwallader called on the citizens of Philadelphia to 
rally for the suj^port of Washington ; and they did turn 
out nobly. The militia of Philadelphia, on that occasion, 
probably preserved the Union. They enabled Wash- 
ington to re-cross into Jersey, to light the battles of 
Trenton and of Princeton, to advance up to Morris- 
town, and there to spend the winter with his army. 
Mr. Browne was first lieutenant of the " Kensington 
Volunteers," and continued w^ith the army all that 
winter. On his return, he found that he had been ex- 
pelled, with many other good friends, from the congre- 
gation of Friends. I never asked whether they re- 
tained as many good friends as they then expelled from 
their couc'resration. 

At that time, my father had his aged mother living 
in the State of New- York. Her houses, in the street 
now called Exchange-street, having been destroyed by 
fire, she removed into the country, to live with her 
daughter — a widow — ^Mrs. Susan Cox. Her daughter 
had lost her husband, Josej^h D. Cox, at the time of 
Burgoyne's surrender. He was on his way to join 
General Gates' army, and removing his femily to a 
place of retirement during his absence, something 
jolted the wagon which he was driving, he lost his 
balance, fell under the wheel, and was killed instantly. 
John Johnson, elder brother of my father, was a cap- 
tain in the New- York line, a very brave, meritorious 
officer, who distinguished himself on difterent occasions, 
particularly when the Americans charged and repulsed 
the British at White Plains. Not long after this, there 
were some promotions, when Captain Johnson con- 
sidered himself slighted and ranked below those Avhom 



THE AMEKJCAN EEVOLlTTIONi 3*? 3 

he should have commanded. He immediately threw 
up his commission. Old Governor Clinton remembered 
the circumstances, and spoke of them to my brother, 
William Johnson, when in Washington. The military 
board did not wish to lose him, but could not cancel 
their proceedings ; they appointed him commissary, 
the most profitable office in the army. He accepted 
this office, and entered upon its duties with his accus- 
tomed zeal, but he would not take advantage of the 
many opportunities which occurred to him, as to others, 
of making money at the public expense. At the end 
of the year, he found that he had lost money in the 
office by which others had made fortunes. He resigned 
this, also, being too honest and conscientious to perform 
its duties as others had done ; his next duty was to his 
family. Hearing that my father was in Philadelphia, 
he came to see him, and they agreed that the whole 
family, including their aged mother, should join him in 
the spring, and travel together towards South-Carolina. 



TRADITION OF THE JANSENS. 

The following tradition of my father's family may 
be considered romantic — it is substantially true, but I 
know of no records to establish the facts. At the 
time of the " commonwealth" in England, there were 
two brothers, named Johnson, living in London, ship- 
carpenters by trade, and having a broad-axe — the em- 
blem of their trade — for their seal. After the resto- 
ration, which took place in 1660, they became dissatis- 
fied, and removed to Holland, probably about the 
year 1662 or '63, with their families. There they were 
always called Yansen or Jansen, and of course an- 
swered to that name^ — the only way in which their 
name was pronounced in Holland, and finally adopted 
it, and signed their name Jansen. After remaining 
some time in Holland, they joined one of the expedi- 
tions going out to their colony, New Amsterdam; 



874 TRADITIONS AND EEMHSTISCENCES OF 

here they settled, and became landholders. The bro- 
ther, from whom we are descended, owned a considera- 
ble body of land, on what was then called " Flatten 
Barrack Hill," or that part of the city of New- York 
where Broadway now runs, and Trinity Church stands. 
To a modern New-Yorker, the name will he strange, 
as well as its origin. It was so called from barrack, a 
hill, and llighten of flights ; because then remarkable 
for flights or flocks of wild pigeons, which frequented 
it when first settled. Let any one who doubts the 
propriety of calling it a hill, place himself in Broad- 
street, at the intersection of Exchange-street, and look 
westward towards Trinity Church ; he will still per- 
ceive a considerable elevation. It was probably much 
greater at that time, and, to the Hollanders, unaccus- 
tomed to hills of any kind, this must have been con- 
sidered a very remarkable one. In or about 1674, or 
soon after the treaty between England and Holland, 
by which that colony was given up to England, my 
ancestor, finding himself once more a British subject, 
and knowing nothing of the law which requires a 
legal sanction for every change of a man's name, con- 
cluded to lay aside his Dutch name, and resume his 
father's name — Johnson. The titles or grant, for his 
land in Broadway, were made to him in his Dutch 
name — Jansen — and ceased to be good titles, after he 
had resumed the name of Johnson, without an act of 
the Legislature to sanction it. The lands were, there- 
fore, escheated, a new grant was taken out by Trinity 
Church, and they now aftbrd a large portion of its 
princely income. 

A small portion of the land granted to my ancestor, 
remained in ]:)ossession of his family. It was on the 
declivity of that hill, in Exchange-street, about raid- 
way between Broad-street and Broadway, on the north 
side of Exchange-street. There my father was born, 
and his mother — a widow — continued to live until 
after the British had captured the city, and her houses 
were burnt in the great fire. Her maiden name was 
Haywood. She was a sister of the two brothers of 



*HE AMERICAN EEVOLtTTIOlf. 375 

tliat name wlio first established tliemselves and %mi- 
lies in Nortli-Carolina, on, as I think, Tar river. Theii^ 
parents were born in England. The brothers were 
well-settled farmers in New- York, but, in a severe 
winter, they were much injured by the snow which 
overwhelmed them, and they resolved to remove into 
a milder climate. After the burning of her houses, 
my grandmother leased the vacant lots, and left the 
city. I remember her personally, and recollect when, 
after her death, the lots were all sold by my uncle, John 
Johnson, her administrator, about the year 1790, and 
the proceeds divided between her three children. I 
saw on record, in New-York, a joint conveyance, dated, 
I think, in 1796, for a part of this land. 

These lots, no doubt, had been saved from the gene- 
ral loss, by the residence and possession of my ances- 
tor, and by his family, in succession, down to my 
father, his brother and sister. In 1795, at the conclu- 
sion of the medical lectures in Philadelphia, I went 
to New- York to visit my father's relatives in that 
city — the Slidells, the Nitches, and his friends, Peter 
Bogart and Colonel Willet. Old Mr. John Slidell, 
with whom I stayed, showed me these lots, and told 
me many things relating to them and the family. 
The recollection of them is more strongly impressed 
on my mind from my having copied, while still at col- 
lege, my father's correspondence relative to these 
lands. 

The brother of my ancestor did not resume his 
English name, and left a family who are now numerous 
and highly respectable, living in the highlands of that 
State. Governor Clinton, when vice-president, spoke 
of this tradition to my brother, William Johnson, in 
Washington. He knew of it, and knew the family of 
Jansens, and said that he was related to them. Judge 
Talmadge, when in Charleston, was often with my 
father, speaking with him of this legend, and of his 
relations, the Jansens, and said that he was married 
to one of them. Mr. Van Ness told the Honorable 
Henry Middleton of the tradition, and asked him if he 



3*76 TRADITIONS AKD EEMINISOETfOES OF 

knew our family. One of my nephews applied to the 
proper officer of tliat congregation, for a sight of the 
old records of Trinity Church, and saw it recorded 
that they had taken a grant for the lands in question^ 
and probably did so to secure a title, believing that 
the older grant to Jansen was vitiated by his having 
changed his name. That officer told my nephew of 
the claim by Bogardus, under an older grant, but said 
that the true descendants of that Jansen (the grantee) 
lived in South-Carolina. They who tell this legend in 
a short way, are apt to represent our ancestor as 
ashamed of his good Dutch name ; and, by assuming 
the English name to suit his new governor, lost the 
substance for the shadow. But he was an Englishman 
by birth, and Johnson was his real name. Knowing 
nothing about law he acted unadvisedly, and always 
insisted that to him, at least, the word " escheat" meant 
to " cheat." 



THE AMEEICAN EEVOLTJTION. 377 



CHAPTER XII. 



Joiirney from Philadelphia totvards Charleston — Mr. John Deas — Rev, 
Edward Ellington — Impoverished state of South-Carolina — Greatness 
and Power of Great Britain — Marauding in South-Carolina — The 
Bells of St. Michael's Church — Dr. Mathew Irvine — Colonel Henry 
Lee, and Subaltern, James Cooper — Kosciusko — Revolutionary Song. 

William Johnson having been joined in Pliiladel- 
phia by tlie families of bis brother, John Johnson, and 
his sister, Mrs. Susan Cox, concluded that they would 
commence their journey, as soon as possible, towards 
South-Carolina. They were joined by three other 
families, under an impression that they could aid each 
other in case of difficulty, but the party thus became too 
large for the residents near the road to accommodate or 
supply. Mr. Thomas Cochran, grandfather of Clar- 
ence Cochran — Mr. Thomas Legare, grandfather of 
the Legares' in Charleston — and Mr. Thomas Harris, 
were the others. Of these six families, the only sur- 
vivors are Mrs. Ann Buifus, daughter of my uncle, 
John Johnson, and Mrs. Kinsey Burden, of John's Is- 
land, daughter of Thomas Legare, and myself; we 
were then children together. Mrs. Burden has also 
her " Traditions and Reminiscences," which her daugh- 
ter, Mrs. Fludd, has collected in a very interesting 
manuscript. In this journey they took the upper 
road, through Little York, towards Lancaster, to be as 
far as possible from that of the armies, but were fre- 
quently obliged to separate for the convenience of 
obtaining food, for themselves and horses. 

When they reached Charlotte, in jSTorth-Carolina, 
they learned that the British still retained possession 
of Charleston; and our three families concluded to 
remain there until better news should be received 



B7S TRADITIONS AND REMrNTtSCEN-CES OJ* 

from home. Here a log-house was hired, and the 
horses put out to rest in good pastures. My father 
could not bear to be idle, while so near to his home. 
He took a horse, mounted his old St. Augustine servant, 
Stephen, on another, and went down the country to 
offer his services to General Greene, whose army was 
then encamped near Ashley ferry. He saw General 
C. 0. Pinckney, who told him that the British were 
confined to the precincts of Charleston ; that there 
would be no more fighting, and, therefore, no occasion 
for him to remain any more in the army. He further 
advised him to return, and bring his family with him, 
as he thought it probable that Charleston would be 
evacuated by the time he could effect this removal. 
But General Pinckney was mistaken. My father set 
out on Ms return, as advised, but with the intention of 
seeing some friends then encamped with Marion, at 
Watboo, or rather at the plantation of Dr. P. Fays- 
soux, lately owned by the estate of Dr. P. G. Prioleau. 
Stopping for a moment at the door of an elderly lady, 
Mrs. Cordes, another person rode up, at a very rapid 
pace, calling aloud to her that General Marion was sur- 
prised and his army cut to pieces. The lady was much 
distressed, for almost all her male relatives, able to bear 
arms, were then, and had always been, with Marion's 
brigade. On the affrighted courier turning to ride 
off, my father asked the lady what course she advised 
him to pursue. She promptly answered, " follow that 
fellow, he knows how to take care of himself" My 
father did so ; but not knowing how soon he might be 
intercepted or overtaken, he took out his pistols, and 
saw that they were in good order for service ; resolving 
rather to sell his life, than again to linger the life of a 
prisoner as he had done. He rode forward on the 
track of his guide, ])ut was not disturbed by falling in 
with any of the enemy. At night, he rode up to the 
house of a friend, Mr. William Doughty, who had 
heard of the rumored surprise, and all assembled 
there were in great trouble. After a while, a young 



THE AMEEIOAN EEVOLTJTtON. 3? 9 

mail I'ode up to the house, and said that he and others 
had been sent round the neighborhood by General 
Marion to apprise them that he had repulsed the 
enemy and retained his position, advising them not to 
be alarmed, but stay quietly at home. He then whis- 
pered something to Mr. Doughty, which was a request 
from the general for any ammunition he could spare, 
as the British had, in their retreat, fallen in with his 
ammunition wagon and carried it ofi^ leaving him des- 
titute, and obliging him, literally, to " go a begging" 
for the means of defence. A few charges of powder 
and lead were given to him ; they were received with 
thanks, and with such scant suj^plies he hastened back 
to Marion's camp.* 

In his way back to Charlotte, my father passed 
through that part of Darlington and Sumter Districts, 
which had been ravaged by Colonel Wemys, under 
the orders of Lord Cornwallis, and suffered severely in 
consequence. After riding until late at night, without 
refreshment, or a place to rest himself and his jaded 
horses, he stopj^ed under a tree, tied the horses each to 
a bush, that they might eat the leaves, while he and his 
servant, Stephen, laid down on the ground, without 
dinner or supper, and slept soundly under the ano- 
dyne influence of fatigue. At the dawn of day he 
awoke, and heard indistinctly the crowing of a cock. 
They mounted their horses, and followed the welcome 
sound in that dreary waste. They soon found the 
log-cabin, from which issued the cock's friendly invita- 
tion, and obtained the much-needed food for man and 

* The British were commanded by Major Thomas Fraser, on this 
occasion, and, in their retreat, as usual, drove off all the cattle they 
could lay their hands on. Thomas Darrington, of St. Thomas' Parish, 
toid my father that they took his whole flock of cattle ; and while he 
was fretting about the loss, a thought occurred to him that they might 
return, as his bull was among them, and this bull was famous for 
breaking through every fence, of which he could reach the top rail with 
his horns. Mr. Darrington stuttered, and went on to say, that as he raised 
his head, he sav/ his " bu-bu-buU strollitig home, followed by all his 
herd of cattle," 



880 TRADITIONS AND EEMrNlSCENCES OF 

beast. He was told that this rongli habitation had 
been constructed after the general conflagration, and 
at a distance from the high-road, that it might be the 
safer from future discovery, and that it was the only 
house within many miles. 

In his way downward with his family, my father 
tried to avoid these waste places, by following the 
road through Lancaster and Kershaw Districts, by the 
Hanging Rock and Flat Rock, through Camden. Even 
in this route, I well remember the ruined settlements 
and deserted habitations that we met with, as well as 
the impei'fect shelter which they aftbrded us from the 
chilling blasts and frosts at the commencement of the 
winter. The first thing required on these occasions was 
water, and the boys of the party always were sent out in 
search of it Our little troop would traverse round and 
round the settlement or its ruins, gradually enlarging 
the circle, until we discovered a foot-path, which would 
lead us almost always to the desired branch or spring. 

In Camden, we met with the first of our former 
friends, Mr. Richard Yeadon, grandfather of the pre- 
sent Richard Yeadon, who was there at work at his 
watch-making business. Near Manchester we met with 
many friends, and stayed a week with the family of 
Mr. Thomas Jones, then residing on his indigo planta- 
tion in that neighborhood. Following that road, we 
stayed a night at the Eutaw House — little more than 
a year after the battle — ^and heard many exciting sto- 
ries of it, of the dead, and even of their ghosts. 

Proceeding downwards, we reached the rice planta- 
tion of Mr. John Deas, called Thorough-good, about 
twenty-two miles from Charleston, on the Monk's 
Corner road, and were there kindly entertained several 
days, while my father went down on Goose Creek 
Neck, about twelve miles, to inquire after his farm and 
negroes on Red Bank. It was the lowest settlement in 
that neighborhood, and was called the Wliite House, 
about thirteen miles, by water, from Charleston. Mr. 
Deas was, at that time, with the younger part of his 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. 381 

family, spending their holidays in the country. The 
intimacy thus formed has continued to this day among 
the survivors. 

The gentlemanly deportment and cordiality of Mr. 
Deas was singularly agreeable — with him was no for- 
mality, parade or constraint — his courtesy and urban- 
ity was never surpassed, if equalled, in any one that I 
ever met with. Mrs. Deas was with her daughter and 
elder sons, in Charleston, taking care of the property 
there. A gentleman, who frequently travelled on the 
Goose Creek road, fell once into conversation with Mr. 
Deas, and, on hearins^ his name, observed that there 
must be a large family of that name, as he scarcely 
ever passed along that road without meeting with one 
of them. Mr. Deas said yes, he had nine sons, and 
each son had a sister. The gentleman, with astonish- 
ment, supposed that there were eighteen children ; 
but my readers will perceive that his only daughter 
(Mrs. Brown) was a cherished sister to each of his 
sons. 

While Mr. Deas i\^as residing at Thorough-good, a 
rapping was heard at the door, and Mr. Deas called 
out, " come in." A British officer came in, and said 
that he had come to beg that they would accommo- 
date a sick friend of his. They were both welcomed, 
and passed on the next day, leaving their names as 
Colonel Watson and Colonel Doyle, with many thanks 
for Mr. Deas' kindness. About a year after, when the 
British forces were obliged to retire from the country 
to the precincts of Charleston, two officers rode up to 
the house in the day-time, politely inquiring after the 
welfare of the family. They were not recognized, so 
much had Doyle improved by recovery from his sick- 
ness, and Watson so much jaded and pulled down by 
a series of hard duty and dangers. Nothing was said 
about the object of their call, and an hour or two 
passed off in social conversation. The gentlemen then 
told the family that their divisions were passing down- 
wards, and, jis a retreating army is always more or less 
michievous, they had turned in to prevent any of their 



382 TRADITIONS AlfD REMIOTSCENCES OF 

stragglers from plundering or molesting a family that 
liacl received them with so much kindness and hospi- 
tality a year before. 

At Mr. Deas' table and cheerful fireside, I first met 
with the Rev. Edward Ellington, rector of that parish, 
St. James Goose Creek. He succeeded Mr. Frink, 
as missionary from " the Society for the propagation of 
the Gospel in foreign parts," at his station in Augusta, 
Georgia, about the year 1765, and held divine service 
on the South-Carolina side of the river, on week days, 
in addition to his appointed duties. In 1770, he suc- 
ceeded the Rev. John Evans as rector of St. Bartholo- 
mew's Parish, and removed, in 1772, to St. Helena's 
Parish, Beaufort District. Here he had an unfortunate 
difference with the vestry, and, six months after his 
induction, the doors of the church were closed against 
him. This circumstance does not appear to have been 
noticed by the Bishop of London, Avhose jurisdiction 
extended over South-Carolina, nor did it injure Mr. 
Ellington in the good opinion of other congregations. 
In January, 1775, he was elected the rector of St. 
James Goose Creek, which, at that time, was pro- 
bably the best clerical appointment in South-Carolina ; 
here he continued to officiate until 1793, when he re- 
moved to Savannah, and died there. Mr. Ellington 
was pious, talented, eloquent, and zealous in his paro- 
chial duties. His easy, polite and sociable deport- 
ment rendered him a welcome guest in every family 
circle — he was one of the most engaging in every 
social assemblage of that then genteel, hospitable and 
populous neighborhood. Pie was particularly suited to 
the manners and customs of the Carolinians, command- 
ing their respect, esteem and confidence, as a man and 
as a minister. His pleasantries appeared to be the 
overflowings of a well stored mind, with universal 
benevolence and a conscience void of offence towards 
God and man. He would occasionally say that he 
believed he did more good, professionally, during his 
domestic visits than by his preaching. His preaching, 



THE AIMEEICAN REVOLUTION. 383 

too, was of tlie very higliest order ; lie was one of tlie 
best pulpit orators that I ever heard. In the strife and 
warfare of the revolution, he could not but feel a live- 
ly interest, but he took no part in it ; he bowed with 
humility to " the powers that be," and endeavored to 
promote peace on earth and good will towards men. 

Major Garden's Anecdotes, 1st series, page 411, may 
serve to illustrate his line of duty, and the tone of 
public feeling in his parish. Shortly after the fall 
of Charleston, and the extension of the British arms 
over the other part of the State, Mr. Ellington, in con- 
formity with the English prayer-book, read in the 
litany, " That it may please thee to bless and preserve 
his most gracious Majesty, our Sovereign Lord, King 
George." A dead silence ensued, and instead of the 
usual response from the congregation — " We beseech 
thee to hear us, good Lord" — a murmuring voice ex- 
claimed, " Good Lord deliver us."* 

One of Mr. Ellington's own anecdotes was to the 
following effect : While living in the parsonage, near 
Goose Creek bridge, the crossing was suspended by pull- 
ing down and re-building it. He saw that many travel- 
lers, not knowing the loss of the bridge, expressed much 
disappointment and inconvenience at having to go over a 

* It was not always easy, during the vicissitudes of the revolution, 
for an officiating clergyman to adapt his discourse, or conform in his 
prayers, to the wishes of his hearers. The Eev. Charles Frederick 
Moreau was rector of St. Helena's Church, but removed to Charleston 
in 1776. There he became assistant minister of St. Phihp's Church, 
and in that exciting period of revolutionary movements, was reading 
the prayers from an English edition of the prayer-book. Being a little 
confused at his first appearance before that congregation, when he came 
to the prayer for the royal family, he was going on with the words be- 
fore him, but recollecting himself, he stammered out the words " king- 
Cong-king-Congi'ess," and then proceeded with the American version of 
that prayer. 

Another anecdote was told of him, that may as well be here inserted. 
He once ascended the pulpit, and announced his test in the 16th chap-- 
ter of John, 16th verse — " A little while ye shall see me ; again a lit- 
tle while and ye shall not see me," when, at that unlucky moment, his 
foot slipped from the bench on which he was elevated, and he sudden- 
ly disappeared from the sight of his audience. 



384 TEADITIOFS AWD KEMESTISCENCES OF 

bad road, round tlie head of Goose Creek swamp ; lie 
procured a flat, and employed liis own people in ferry- 
ing them across. For this he charged what was gene- 
rally admitted to be a reasonable compensation. One 
wagoner, however, made great complaints, after having 
crossed the creek ; asked by what authority he charged 
for it. The parson admitted that there was no act of 
the Legislature for it, neither was he under any obliga- 
tion to keep a boat and hands to accommodate him 
and other travellers ; he might have gone round, if he 
preferred it. The wagoner still murmured that the 
crossing took very little time, and was not worth the 
money, but paid it and went to town. A few days 
after this the wagoner returned, and called for the 
boat to come and take him over. Mr. Ellington in- 
structed his people, and accordingly they took in the 
wagon and team, but, instead of crossing directly over, 
they took them up and down the creek, until the 
wagoner became tired of it, and prayed that they 
would put him on shore. The parson now asked him, 
coolly, if he had got enough for his money, and being 
answered, " Oh, yes ! yes !" Mr. Ellington assured him 
mildly that the whole business was to give satisfaction, 
and the crossing over was voluntary, if they crossed 
at all. 

Under the head of Captain Campbell, I stated that 
Mr. Ellington had been compelled to marry that couple. 

My father reached his settlement, on Cooper river, 
called the White House, without difficulty. Here he 
was happy to find that his negroes had faithfully kept 
together under their driver, had made a good crop of 
provisions, and had secured it from depredations by 
concealment in the woods. But, as to the stock of 
horses, cattle, sheep, hogs and poultry, it was all car- 
ried oif, except a colt which the plunderers considered 
not worth taking. The wagon was immediately sent 
down to the plantation, with orders to unload it and 
arrange its contents in the house as they had been in 
the house at Charleston. My mother soon followed, 
and we were once more at home. It was a humble 



THE AMERICAlSr EEVOLUTION. 385 

dwelling, but aiforded peace, rest and competence to 
the exiled wanderers. It was a joyful liome to us — far 
beyond our expectations in many of tlie dark and 
gloomy periods of our absence. It was a re-union 
witli our family, and our affectionate faithful servants, 
after an absence of eighteen months, and of my father's 
absence two and a half years. Still the British held 
the city, but my father from the south-western part of 
his laud could see them burning their stores and blow- 
ing up their forts, preparatory to their removal. He 
could see the city from this part of the plantation, 
called " Vanderdysen's," the landing to which was the 
lowest on Goose Creek. It was literally a prospect of 
returning peace and prosperity. 

In a few days the joyful tidings were received, that 
the British had left the city on the 14th December, 
1782, and sailed shortly after. My father now bor- 
rowed a boat, and with some of his own boatmen pro- 
ceeded to Charleston. As he stepped on shore he 
found an English shilling in the sand, and hoped that 
it might be an omen of future good. Accordingly, he 
proceeded to his own house, on East Bay, opposite to 
Guignard-street, No. 140, and found it in the care of 
his own servants, and in a habitable condition, but the 
fences had all been torn down and burnt. He found 
his shop also at his command, with his tools and two 
of his best men ready to go to work with him. They 
had all been maintaining themselves comfortably du- 
ring the absence of my mother, but had no wages laid 
up for her acceptance. As she was well pleased to see 
them again, and be at home, no questions were asked 
about their arrears. My father returned to the plan- 
tation with a few necessaries, new shoes, <fec., for the 
family ; but with the prize shilling he purchased a few 
raisins, the first luxury that he had been able to afford 
for many months. The next day was Christmas, and 
with the raisins my mother treated us to a plum-j3ud- 
ding for our Christmas dinner. Never have we en- 
joyed a happier Christmas, either before or since, 
during a long series of years, and never was a family 
25 



386 TRADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

more thankful to tlie Almiglity for liis blessing and 
protection. 

Our readers have all enjoyed their happy returns of 
Christmas, but few can appreciate our feelings on this 
occasion. They were not merely heightened by con- 
trast with our late long and fatiguing journey, by suf- 
ferings and privations ; they were excited by our recent 
return from exile, after exjDulsion from home by a ruth- 
less enemy, while victorious, but now vanquished and 
driven out of the country. It was at the moment of 
our first assurance of this joyful change from war to 
peace — of peace in the arms of victory — of our having 
once more a home, in the enjoyment of health, peace 
and competence, at that season of joy and congratula- 
tion in every part of our beloved country. It was a 
joyful re-union with bosom friends and affectionate 
faithful domestics in our own home, at our own fireside. 

The family was soon after removed to the city, and 
this was the more agreeable as it had just then become 
necessary. The money was all exhausted ; my father 
had barely enough left in his pocket, to pay for a few 
coals and a small supply of iron, to resume his busi- 
ness. In consequence of this want, my mother was 
debarred of her tea for a week or two ; but we con- 
sidered ourselves greatly favored in being able to reach 
home before the money gave out. Many of our coun- 
trymen had suffered great privations, and were unable 
to move homeward for want of means. During the 
five years which preceded the fall of Charleston, my 
father had carried on an extensive and profitable busi- 
ness; he not only ]3urchased houses and lands, but 
stocks and indents of South-Carolina and of the Union. 
When my mother was ordered away from her home, 
she had but little money to defray expenses, but con- 
cluded to take with her several neorroes, who misfht 
be hired out, or sold, according to her wants. She 
also took with her the indents or certificates of stock, 
which were of little or no value in Charleston, but 
might be saleable, and command money in Philadel- 
phia. It was provident — it tm-ned out Avell. Two of 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. SSt 

the negroes afforded regular wages in Pliiladelpliia, 
and the stock brought fair prices, in consequence of 
the improved prospects of America, the establishment 
of a bank, and the alliances with France, Spain and 
Holland. With these supplies of money my father 
bought a wagon and team, likewise a stage wagon and 
two horses for those of his family who could not other- 
wise keep up with the wagon. This he himself drove, 
and it conveyed his aged mother, my mother, my sis- 
ter and myself. Our wants were comparatively light, 
and yet I remember j^erfectly to have seen my mother 
wade into a stream of running water, to assist in wash- 
ing out the family clothes. Although we passed over 
the uj)per road, and over the natural bridge in Vir- 
ginia, believing it to afford a better supply of provi- 
sions than the lower routes, which had been drained 
for the supplies of the army, yet we frequently expe- 
rienced dilRculties and privations, as to the most ordi- 
nary food for ourselves and horses. 



IMPOVERISHED STATE OF THE COUNTRY. 

The whole country was impoverished, and to an ex- 
tent scarcely credible in the present scenes of peace 
and comparative plenty. I remember that while we 
were resting at the house of a respectable farmer, his 
little son became sociable with us, children of his own 
age. In the course of his prattle, he said, " Ah! boy, I've 
got a new shirt, and it's made out of daddy's old one, 
and daddy's got a new shirt, made out of mammy's 
old shift, and mammy's got a new shift, made out of 
the old sheet." In accordance with this instance of 
" making a shift," I remember perfectly that the first 
pocket handkerchief ever given to me, was made from 
the skirt of an old calico frock, worn by my sister, 
the late Mrs. McCrady. I say the first handkerchief, 
and but one ; I had no change of handkerchiefs. It is 
probable that this supply of one was afforded by my 



388 TEADinOI^S AND EEMINISCEXCES OF 

motlier cutting up her old gown to make my sister 
two new frocks. 

" These little things are great to little men." 

The following may afford some idea, however imper- 
fect, of the destitute situation of the Southern army. 

Letter from General Greene to Colonel Marherry. 

Camp Charlotte, December 16, 1780. 

Sir : — The osnaburgs and sheeting now at this post will be sent you 
immediately, to be made up into shirts and overalls for the soldiers.* 
You will engage the women of the country to make them, and, if you 
cannot do better, they must be paid in salt. You know the distresses 
of the soldiery, and I flatter myself you will make every exertion to 
have them made up immediately. The hospital is ordered from this to 
Salisbury, the preparations for which will call for your attention. 

I am, sir, <fcc., 

General Greene to Robert Rowand. 

Camp Cheraws, December 26, 1*780. 

Sir : — I am told that you are appointed clothier-general for the State 
of North-Carolina. The state of the army is such with respect to 
clothing and shoes, that I wish to see and consult with you upon some 
plan for procuring a supply, particularly of the latter articles. For this 
purpose, I beg that you will come to camp, as soon £is you can with any 
degree of convenience. 

The beeves that are killed for the use of the army, afford a great 
number of hides, which I wish to have exchanged either for tanned 
leather or good shoes. Please to make inquiry concerning the condi- 
tions on which exchanges could be made. 

I am, &c. 

Extracts from Johnson's Life of Greene, vol. ii., 
page 316. 

" Our troops were never without pro^^sions so much during all last 
campaign, as they have been since Mr. Hort has imdertaken the busi- 
ness, and the provisions not more than twenty or thirty miles off. The 
army went on suffering and complaining, at intervals fed, and at times 
almost in a state of mutiny, and kept to duty only by alternate sooth- 
ing and severity. Rum and tobacco, two articles of indispensable ne- 
cessity to American soldiery, could seldom be commanded ; and a very 
large proportion of the army were in a state of disgusting nakedness. 

* Even these thin coverings were deemed highly necessary for the 
soldiers in mid-winter. 



*ISE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 389 

A tattered remnant of some garment, clumsily stuck together with the 
thorns of the locust tree, formed the sole covering of hundreds. Great 
part of my troops are in a deplorable situation for want of clothing. 
Not a rag of clothing has come from the North, except a small quan-' 
tity of linen for the officers. We have three hundred men without arms, 
and more than one thousand men are so naked, for want of clothing, 
that they can only be put on duty in case of desperate necessity." 

In this state of destitution, General Greene opened 
a communication with the merchants in Charleston, 
through the agency of Colonels Lee and Laurens, and 
supplies were received in exchange for provisions, at 
different parts of the State. The most of these were 
obtained at the different landings on Ashley river, as 
high as Bacon's bridge; but the salt, rum, blankets 
and hospital stores were sent to Georgetown, and for- 
warded through the agency of our late Judge Waties, 
by bills drawn on Robert Morris, the financier. These 
arrangements were made in March, 1Y82. 

In August following, when General Greene's army 
approached nearer to Charleston, and its inhabitants 
saw that the British could not lone: retain it, a memo- 
rial, from the merchants in that city, was sent to the 
then Governor John Mathews, premising that they 
had the permission of General Leslie to do so. In 
consequence of which Governor Mathews granted them 
protection, in person and property, for six months from 
the evacuation, with a right to sell or barter their 
goods and collect their debts freely during that time ; 
but not to sue for such debts, except by the consent of 
the Legislature ; that they should be exempt, dmdng 
that time, from military and other public duties, but 
that their property could not he protected from cap- 
ture at sea, during the war, either outward or inward 
bound ; neither could they obtain any redress for pur- 
chasing or hirmg the property sequestered by Corn- 
wallis, or his agent, Colonel Cruden. I have the cor- 
respondence before me. 

Mrs. Broun informs me that these wants of clothing 
were common among the Carolinians opposed to the 
British. The goods could not be obtained, if wanted, 



o90 TEADinONS AKB EEJICSnSCEKCES OJ* 

and tlie purchase money was still more scarce. Among 
otlier instances, she remembers to have seen Mr. Arthur 
Middleton — a member of Congress — one of the richest 
and most fashionable of the Carolinians, wearing com- 
mon negro cloth. 

General Greene's lady was well known to be not 
only an elegant, accomplished woman, but remarkably 
quick and acute in her observations. When she 
visited the camp, about the last of March, 1782, the 
sentinel at the general's tent saluted her,, as in duty 
bound, with presented arms. This soldier had an un- 
fortunate rent in his pantaloons, and, in order to con- 
ceal it from the lady, he adopted the expedient of 
flirting his cartouch box directly in front of him, at 
the same time that he presented arms. But either the 
rent in the pantaloons, or the soldier's address in en- 
deavoring to conceal it, or both circumstances, had 
been observed by Mrs. Greene. IS^o notice was taken 
of the occuiTence at the time, but on the morning 
after, a decent pair of pantaloons was presented to the 
sentinel. 

There was always in republican America some degree 
of exclusiveness or aristocracy, particularly among the 
families of the delegates at the meetings of Congress. 
A fastidious lady of Philadelphia, as I was told, was 
makinor observations on the dress and address of other 
ladies in a ball-room, when Mrs. Greene appeared 
before the group who were thus amusing themselves. 
A gentleman asked the Philadelphia lady if she did 
not admire Mrs. Greene. ^' Oh, yes," said she, " but I 
think I hear the clink of the u'on on the anvil, at 
every step she takes." It will be recollected that 
General Greene was a blacksmith. 

Another anecdote of the kind was told, relative to 
two of the finest women in South-Carolina. Mrs. 
Judge Bee and Mrs. Ralph Izard, Senr., accompanied 
their husbands, when members of Congress in Phila- 
delphia. Some observations were made on different 
groups at an assembly, and among others the polished 



litE A^IEEICAI^ EEVOLITTIOIS-. 39 1 

manners of tliese two Carolinians were higlily com- 
mended. " Oh, yes," said a lady (Mrs. Bache), ^' but 
they are all a proud set, from B. to Z." 



GREATNESS AND POWER OF GREAT BRITAIN. 

It is said in political economy that perseverance, 
«ven in errors, is always the most politic course. I do 
not admit this maxim in its unlimited extent. In re- 
gulating commerce and internal trade, in affording pro- 
tection to manufactures, more especially of all the ma- 
terials for warfare, I admit its general correctness, but 
deny it as to the external relations of a country. An 
act of injustice to any other nation, or portion of the 
government, is never forgotten or forgiven. The 
weaker party may be vanquished and made to submit, 
but the injury is ever rankling in their breasts ; they 
are ever discontented, and seeking for redress, or taking 
advantage of circumstances to extort it by resistance. 

The first error committed by the British ministry, 
was the imposition of taxes on the American colonies, 
in opposition to their charters — to their rights as Bri- 
tish sul)jects, and to Magna Charta. Persisting in this 
act of injustice, alienated the affections of their most 
loyal subjects, drove them to resistance — to a declara- 
tion of their independence, and to alliance with the most 
powerful and implacable enemies of the British crown. 
Violating the terms of submission, solemnly ratified 
between the Catholic Irish, in the treaty of Limerick, 
after the flight of James II., the delegates of King 
William and the British Parliament alienated that 
people to this day. Refusing them the same privileges 
in their religious opinions, at the time of the union, 
which had been granted to the Scotch in their union 
with England, and to the French when conquered in 
Canada, can never be forgiven. The sooner this is 
conceded by an act of Parliament, extending to all 
religious societies protection in their several tenets, 
modes of worskip, and the exclusive support of their 



392 TEADinONS AND EEMlOTSCEl>rCES OF 

own clinrclies, tlie sooner will internal harmony be 
established in the United Kingdoms, and their stand-' 
ing army reduced. 

Great Britain never had been, pre^dously, as great 
and glorious as she was during the American revolu- 
tion. With unlimited supplies of money, Avith im- 
mense armies and navies at her command, she united 
them all against her infant colonies, to enforce her nn- 
constitutional exactions. The Americans resisted with 
more bravery and effect than her most sanguine friends 
had anticipated. They besieged the British in Boston, 
and drove them out of it. A victory was gained over 
one of her fleets and armies, in its attack on Charles- 
ton, South-Carolina, and a whole army was captured 
at Saratoga, in New-York. They declared themselves 
independent, and bravely maintained that indepen- 
dence. France, in 1778, first became their ally, in con- 
sequence of this determined spirit, and Britain gal- 
lantly declared war against her as soon as it was 
known. In 1779, Spain also became one of the allies, 
and Britain immediately attacked her as she had 
France. In 1780, Holland joined in support of Ame- 
rican independence, and British fleets were let loose on 
her wide-spread commerce and rich colonies. Next, 
the northern powers, Russia, Sweden, Denmark and 
the Hans Towns, united in an armed neutrality, and 
sent out their fleets to protect their merchantmen, in 
the I'ights of neutral commerce. Against this also 
Britain boldly struck. Their convoyed fleets were 
attacked at sea, some captured, all dispersed, and the 
coalition broken up l:)y Great Britain. In addition to 
these, they next heard of hostilities against their East 
India possessions, commenced and carried on with 
great vigor and execution, by Hyder Ali, one of the 
native chiefs of India. Strong reinforcements were 
sent thither also, which, under the administration of 
Warren Hastings, and the command of Sir Eyre Coot 
and Lord Clive, beat their Indian enemies, and brought 
Hyder Ali to terms of peace. 

But there was no peace at home ; apprehending in- 



THE AMEEICAN EEVOLUTION. 393 

vasion, by tlie Americans and tLieir allies, arms had 
been distributed among the inhabitants of Ireland, 
that they mig-ht defend their own shores from fo- 
reign foes. The Irish were ready enough to take 
arms against these and all other enemies. When 
the alarm had subsided, the arms were called for, but 
the Irish refused to surrender them. Fifty or sixty 
thousand Irish volunteers, well armed and disciplined, 
extorted from the British government the rights of 
commerce and manufactures, from which they had been 
until then excluded. 

While this adjustment was pending, a fearful riot 
broke out in Loudon, under Lord George Gordon,* in 
which numerous public buildings were burned, New- 
gate destroyed, the prisoners turned loose on the 
community, and the Bank of England endangered. 
This, also, was suppressed, but with great difficulty, 
and after much devastation and alarm. The commo- 
tion was excited by an apprehension, that the ministry 
were about to concede too much to the Catholics of 
Ireland, and thus endanger the church establishment 
in England. The great out-cry of the mob was against 
popery and the papists, but many joined in that out- 
cry who would as readily have joined in any other. 
Many only wanted the excitement inseparable from 
such commotions ; others enjoyed it for the chances of 
plunder, which were numerous and tempting.f The 
late Mr. David Alexander was then an apprentice or 
clerk to a merchant of London. Passing over the 
fields back of London, he was accosted by a man ap- 
parently half drunk with liquor, and half mad with 
the exciting scenes of the mob. He stopped Mr. Alex- 

* He was son of the Duke of Gordon, in Scotland, and at the time a 
member of the House of Commons. He was apprehended and tried 
for high treason, but they could not prove any such intention. He was, 
however, committed to the Tower of London, and in his long confine- 
ment was thought to be insane. He assumed the costume of a Jew, 
and was said to have adopted their creed. 

f Many housekeepers in London, fearful of the rioters, stuck papers 
on their doors, with the words " No Popery." 



S94 TRADITIONS ATfD EEJIINISCENCES OV 

ander, demanding to know if "he was a pope." "Oh 
no !" said Mr. Alexander, civilly, " I am not a pope ;" 
then bowed to the ignorant, infatuated man, and passed 
on. 

Hitherto, the ministry had been ably supported by 
the aristocracy and wealthy portions of the British na- 
tion. Many of these were certainly influenced by 
incorrect opinions of parliamentary supremacy, while 
others selfishly wished to have a portion of their heavy 
taxes paid by the Americans. But now their commer- 
cial relations were closed with all the allies, while their 
hostile fleets intercepted the British convoys, in their 
voyages to and from their colonies and neutral nations. 
All the exigencies of State had hitherto been met with 
the utmost energy and spirit by the government and 
people. Now the manufacturers became embarrassed 
under the obstructions of commerce, and the wliole 
nation suffered. The opposition in Parliament became 
more clamorous, and were encouraged and applauded 
by the publications issued daily from the British press.* 
Another British army was next captured ; then the 
Southern provinces, on the conquest of which the min- 
istry prided themselves, were re-conquered from them, 
and this without the aid of France, Spain or Holland. 
The city of London, the commercial emporium, then 
formally united in " an address, remonstrance and 
petition," adopted at a public meeting of the citizens^ 
and this was as formally presented by the Lord Mayor 
in person, to the primate of the kingdom, forcibly ex- 
])Osing their embarrassments, losses and sufferings* 
The miuistr}^ could no longer pursue their plans or re- 
tain their phices^ when the public mind, as expressed 
by their high commercial delegates, Avas now distinctly 
opposed to a continuance of the war. 

* During a tedious and boisterous meeting of Parliament, Lord North 
was seen resting his liead on his dt^sk. One of the opposition was 
speAking at the time, and paused in his phihppic to remark, that " not 
regarding the extreme distress of the nation, the prime minister was 
sleeping at his post." Without rising. Lord North said loud enough 
to be heard, — " I am not asleep, but wish to God I was !" 



ITHE AMEEICAN EEVOLUTIOK. 895 

Tlie protracted siege of Gibralter, by tlie Spanish 
army, and the combined navies, prevented the imme^ 
diate commencement of negotiations for peace. The 
brave defence and preservation of this important sta- 
tion, and the decided brilliant naval victory gained by 
Rodney over Count DeGras, in the West Indies, gave 
the British ministry an opening for honorable terms, 
in a treaty of peace. The allied ]30wers were also 
satisfied that Great Britain was no ordinary enemy, 
and although unaided by other nations, and even divi- 
ded from a large portion of her own domains, was still 
a match for them, concluded, that the sooner they 
made peace, the better for all parties. 

Negotiations for a general peace were opened at Paris, 
in November, 1'782, and conducted with great liberality 
by all parties. Benjamin Franklin, John Jay and 
Henry Laurens, being delegates from the United States 
stipulated as a preliminary, that their independence 
must be acknowledged by Great Britain, and it was 
distinctly acknowledged. By this treaty of peace 
Great Britain lost much in the west, besides the origi- 
nal object of the war — the taxing of her colonies ; hut 
gained in her East India possessions, influence and 
power. 

She has continued, ever since, to extend her Asiatic 
domains with giant strides. Her power now pervades 
all India ; and her influence is impressed on the Chi- 
nese empire to the eastern extremity of that great 
nation ; also to the southern extremity of the Asiatic 
islands. Great Britain is now not only the greatest 
nation on earth, but the greatest that ever existed, 
either in ancient or modern times. 

One of the London papers published the following 
epigram: 

Gage nothing did and went to pot, 
Howe lost one town, another got, 
Guy*' rfothing lost and nothing won, 
Dunmore was homeward forced to run. 
Clinton was beat, and got a garter, 
xVnd bouncing Burgoyne catched a Tartar ; 

*Carleton. 



396 TUADITIOKS AND REMINISCENCES OV 

Thus all we've got for millions spent, 
Is to be laughed at and repent. 

Read, also, a Dutcliman's comments on these great 
doings : 

'Twas all a voolish diug 
For the parliament and king, 
To quarrel 'bout a dish of tea 
And lose a gountry — 
'Twas all a voolish ding ! 

If France and Spain had not joined America, 

Both by the land and sea, 

Mine Got ! George King would make dem know, 

For vat dey spill'd his teal — 

*Twas all a voolish din of. 



MARAUDING IN SOUTH-CAROLINA. 

Among the many instances of marauding in South- 
Carolina, about the close of the revolution, I remem- 
ber to have heard of the following. Mr. George Flagg 
Was well mounted and on a visit to Mr. Robert Quash's 
plantation, in St. Thomas' Parish, bordering on Christ 
Church Parish, when two strangers were announced, 
riding up to the house. One of them had a gun, both 
had swords and pistols; they said that they were subaltern 
officers, sent in search of deserters. The children took 
alarm at the appearance of armed men, and hid under 
a bed, as I was told, by Mr. Samuel Barnet, the son 
of a neighbor, then on a visit to the children of Mr. 
Quash. The family plate was concealed. Mr. Quash 
was absent at the time. The two men insisted on 
searching the house, and when Mr. Flagg presented 
himself as a prisoner on parole, they asked for his 
horse ; and finding that it Avas a veiy good one, they 
decided that he had broken his parole, and must be 
taken back to Charleston. They took his good horse 
to themselves, and mounting him on one of their infe- 



THE AMEEIOAN EEVOLUTION". 397 

rior ponies, tliey followed the road to Charleston. 
From the deportment and conversation of these men, 
Mr. Flagg apprehended that he had fallen into bad 
hands, and that they would kill him in the woods, for 
the plunder which they expected to find ; he therefore 
watched for an opportunity of making his escape. When 
they stopped to water their horses, he was close behind 
them ; he then seized the gun, jerked it from the owner, 
and spurred his pony to get beyond the range of their 
pistol balls. Finding that he was pursued, he conclu- 
ded that they did not fear his gun ; that they knew 
best whether it was unloaded, or otherwise not danger- 
ous, and therefore, being worth nothing to him, he threw 
it as far as possible from him, into the swampy un- 
derwood, at the side of the road, hoping that they 
would quit him to recover the gun. He succeeded in 
his plan, — they both turned in to search for their gun, 
and he turned out of the road as soon as possible. Mr. 
Flagg escaped in safety to Charleston, but never saw 
anything more of the good horse or bad men. 

In the latter part of the year 1782, when the British 
army Avas confined to the precincts of Charleston, such 
marauding parties infested the plantations, in the space 
between the hostile armies, plundering the adherents 
of both alike, and changing their coats according to the 
party plundered. One of these, consisting also of two 
men, went to the residence of Mr. John Parker, about 
fourteen miles from Charleston. He was at home, and 
shut up his house, refusing to admit them ; to their 
threats of breaking in, he returned threats of instant 
death to any one who might attempt it. After other 
words of this kind, they proceeded to break open Mr. 
Parker's storehouse, on which he fired at them and 
killed one. The other made ofl:' as fast as possible, 
taking with him the horse and equipments of his com- 
rade, who did not stand in any further need of them. 
Mr. Parker sent a note to the commandant of Charles- 
ton, informing him of what he had done, and received 
an answer, saying, that he was glad of it, as he could 
not restrain them when out of the city ; he also sent 



398 TEADITIONS AND KEMINISCENCES OF 

and buried tlie body. Mr. William M. Parker, his son, 
told me, tliat wliile tliis man was dying, lie took tlie 
gold buttons out of his sleeves, closed his hand tightly 
on them, and died with them clutched firmly in that 
way. He exemplified Pope's " ruling passion strong in 
death" — ^he lost his life in attempting to take the pro- 
perty of another person, and died literally "close 
listed" with his own. Gold sleeve buttons, his own ! 
they, too, had been probably stolen from some neigh- 
boring planter. 

Another party, consisting of some five or six persons, 
went to the residence of Captain Richard B. Baker — 
the old Archdale house on Ashley river, about thirteen 
miles from Charleston. Miss Amarintha Elliott, a 
relative of the family, was staying there with the Miss 
Bakers, and had taken up with her, for safe keeping, 
all her family plate. Mr. Thomas Ogier, a neighbor, 
was there also on a visit to the young ladies. When 
the strangers were reported, all the valuable things were 
removed to what they called " the well" — a hiding- 
place under one of the closets, concealed by a trap-door. 
Captain Baker being a prisoner on parole, was not j^er- 
mitted to wear his sword, and this was also stowed 
away by his sisters, among things most prized. The 
men, pretending that they were a sergeant's guard, 
sent out on patrol duty, insisted on searching the house. 
They pretended not to be satisfied with the represen- 
tation of Captain Baker and Mr. Ogier, that they were 
prisoners on parole, and insisted on taking them down 
to head-quarters for examination. They inquired for 
Captain Baker's sword, and insisted on seeing it. He 
accordingly went for it, not knowing that it had been 
put up, and his sister conducted him to the hiding- 
place, that he might take it out. One of the men had 
followed him unobserved, and just as Captain Baker 
lifted the trap-door, this fellow looked in and saw the 
treasure. This was 2:)recisely what they wanted : they 
cared no longer for their two prisoners, and did not 
wish to be encumbered with such articles as prisoners. 
They loaded themselves with the plunder, and hurried 



THE AMEEICAIT REVOLUTIOlSr. 399 

off with Miss Elliott's plate, as well as that of the Bakers'. 
They were too conscientious to make any distinction 
in such matters, between the Bakers and the Elliotts. 

Another party of marauders went by water, to the 
old brick mansion of the Smiths, on Cooper river' 
near the mouth of Goose Creek, now owned by their 
descendants, the family of Mr. Charles T. Brown. I 
think it was Mr. George Smith who then owned and 
occupied this house. The house was shut up on the 
approach of these marauders, and they were ordered 
off by Mr. Smith ; but as they would not go, and showed 
a disposition for mischief, they were fired on by Mr. 
Smith, and one of them killed. The others carried off 
the body, and went away to take care of their boat. 

I was told by Mr. John DuPont, of another party, 
of four persons, who went in a boat to plunder a plan- 
tation, in Beaufort District. There happened to be 
two gentlemen of the neighborhood visiting there at 
the time, both having their guns, but there was no 
good house for defence. One of them determined to 
resist the marauders as long as possible; the other re- 
fused to unite with him, for more reasons than one, but 
offered the use of his gun. This having been accepted, was 
leaned by the first gentleman against a peach tree, behind 
which he took his Station, the only shelter that he could 
obtain. One of the marauders was left to take charge of 
the boat, while the other three advanced, each with a 
gun, along the path leading up from the landing to the 
house. The gentleman observed that the windings of 
the path frequently brought the three men within the 
range of his buck-shot, and coolly watched his opportu- 
nity. At last he fired, and two of the enemy fell ; the 
other took to his heels and ran back, but appeared to 
be wounded. The gentleman dropped his empty gun, 
took up from the tree the other loaded gun, and ]3ur- 
sued the retreating foe. Finding that he was hurt and 
easily overtaken, the gentleman offered him " quarters," 
disarmed him, and continued running down to the 
landing with a gun in each hand. In the meantime, 
his friend, who had been bashful, run up to the two 



400 TEADITIONS AISTD EEMTNISCENCES OF 

wlio Lad fallen, secured their arms, and took charge of 
tlie wounded prisoner. When the first whig arrived 
at the landing, the man who had charge of the boat 
was paddling her oif from the shore, but being threat- 
ened with instant death by a man armed with two guns, 
one of which was presented at him, he obeyed orders, 
gave up his boat, and surrendered himself a prisoner. 

Thus, by the bravery of one man, the j)i*operty on 
the plantation was saved from plunder, four men were 
vanquished, two of them made prisoners, and the boat, 
with her equipments and ai'ms, secured to the captors. 

From the time of the State's being overrun with the 
British forces, all legal proceedings were suspended, 
and martial law was enforced at the point of the bayo- 
net. The civil government of the State was in some 
measure re-established by the Jacksonboro' Legislature, 
but the courts of justice had been so long closed (inter 
arma silent leges) that crime stalked abroad in open 
day, and mocked at the attempts to restrain it. High- 
way robbery was a common occurrence, and horse steal- 
ing so frequent that the legislature made it a crime, 
punishable with death, in order to protect the poor 
farmer, who, at the very season for ploughing his crops, 
might be reduced to the want of food by his only horse 
ha"\dng been stolen from him. The rich planters, who 
had match horses, race horses and hunters, passed the 
law from a fellow-feeling for the interests of the poor. 
Even in the streets of Charleston, patrolled l:>y the 
guard, it was unsafe to walk after dark, and many rob- 
beries and assassinations were committed. 



" Who could guard the guard?"* 

This insecurity continued many years after the peace, 
the result, in a great measure, of the armies being dis- 

* A gentleman told me that he had got into a frolic about that time, 
and his party were in the act of tearing oil' the bannisters from a flight 
of steps, to sui>ply themselves with sticks, when they were seized by the 
guard. Looking over his shoulder, he recognized his sergeant, who 
liad served under him in the late war ; he addressed hira by name, slip- 
ped a dollar into his hand, and walked off without the smallest obstacle. 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTIOIS'. 401 

banded botli in Europe and America, by wliicli a law- 
less soldiery, accustomed to blood and plunder, were 
turned loose on tlie community. I remember that 
Commodore Gillon called one evening on my father, to 
aid him, saying that he had been followed by two men 
of suspicious appearance, from corner to corner, as if 
watching for an opportunity of attacking him. 

My father took a heavy stick, " convoyed the Com- 
modore into port," and returned without annoyance. 
Tarlton Brown gives us an instance in which he pur- 
sued a party that had stolen Judge Heyward's carriage 
horses, captured the thieves and recovered the horses. 
Some instances occurred, in which summary justice was 
executed, without the formality of a trial by jury or 
court. Some lamentable cases were reported, of this 
having been done by some of the foremost men in the 
State, incited by the difficulty of guarding the prison- 
ers through a wilderness to a jail — the insecurity of 
that jail, and the frequency of escape both before and 
after con^dction. Among them, I heard, were the 
Macphersons of Barnwell, and Colonel Cleveland of 
Greenville. This latter gentleman, at the termination 
of hostilities, retired with his family to this frontier 
settlement in Greenville, and being accompanied by a 
number of his hardy camp associates, established among 
them a patriarchal government, until the courts of jus- 
tice could be extended over that part of the State. 
Colonel Cleveland was, of course, at the head of the 
government, and executed the duties of his office with 
much judgment and discretion. On one occasion, 
when he was absent from home, some of his neighbors 
brought a horse-thief to his residence for adjudication. 
They waited awhile, for his return, but as the day ad- 
vanced, they began to apprehend that their prisoner 
might escape, or they have much more trouble with 
him. Mrs. Cleveland was at home, occupied in her 
domestic vocations, and at the time smoking her 
pipe. The men asked her for instructions, what they 
should do with their prisoner ? She inquired, in turn, 
the particulars of his offence, and of the evidence 
26 



402 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

against liim, and, on l)eing assured tliat it was a clear, 
unquestionable case of horse-stealing, she again asked 
what the Colonel would order to be done ? They as 
promptly answered, " that he should be hanged." 
" Well, then," said the old lady, " you must hang him ;" 
9,nd he was accordingly hung at her gate. 



THE BELLS OF ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCH. 

Before the evacuation of Charleston, by the British, 
Major Traille, of the royal artillery, took down the bells 
of St. Michael's church, claiming them as a mihtary per- 
quisite, belonging to the commanding officer of the 
artillery. The vestry applied to Lieutenant General 
Leslie, to have them restored, as they had been bought 
by subscription, and as private property they were se- 
cured by the articles of capitulation. Either no answer 
was returned, or it was not satisfactory ; for a similar 
application was made to Sir Guy Carleton, at New York, 
on the 28th April, 1783. This gentleman had antici- 
pated the wishes of the vestry. As soon as he heard 
of the circumstances, three months before their appli- 
cation, he issued an order on January 28th, 1783, for 
the immediate surrender of the bells, together with 
every other public or private property of the inhabi- 
tants, that may have l)een l)rought away. The bells, 
however, had been shipped from Charleston to Eng- 
land, and before the order could be served, had been 
sold pul)licly, and ])urchased by Mr. Rybenew, a mer- 
chant, foi-merly of Charleston. The vestry also a])plied 
for them to the minister of war in Great Britain, but Mr. 
Ilyl)enew had already ship]:)ed them to Charleston, for 
sale, as a commercial adventure. When landed on the 
wharf, the overjoyed citizens took possession, and hur- 
ried them up to the church, and then into the steeple, 
without thinking that they might be violating a pri- 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 403 

vate riglit. Mr. Ryhenew became bankrupt shortly- 
after tliis, Hs estate fell into other hands, and the bells 
have never been paid for, from that day to this. 

Doctor Matthew Irvine was born in Ireland, the 
younger brother of General William Irvine, of the 
Pennsylvania line. He came out to Philadelphia, when 
a boy, in a vessel commanded by the father of our late 
fellow-citizen, James George, the ship carpenter. James 
was on board, one of the crew, son of the captain, 
older and better grown than Mat, and, like other game 
chickens, disposed to crow over his supposed inferior 
in strength and years. Mat resisted these pretenBions 
with becoming spirit, and a battle ensued. We never 
heard that either was victorious, but were told, that 
after this, James was much more civil in his deport- 
ment, and Mat had no occasion for a second contest. 
They parted in Philadelphia, and did not meet again 
until long after the revolution, when they shook hands 
as old acquaintances, and continued good friends. 

Dr. Irvine studied medicine in Philadelphia, under his 
brother, and attended the medical lectures, delivered 
by Rush, Shippen and others, and profited by the 
various opportunities for acquiring professional know- 
ledge. Living with his lirother, he acquired all his 
enthusiasm in the political relations of this country 
with England. At the conmiencement of hostilities. 
Dr. William Irvine took a commission, becoming Gene- 
ral Irvine, and Matthew left his studies to join General 
Washington in the siege of Boston. Here he joined 
the expedition under Arnold, through the wilderness 
to Quebec, and in this he first became acquainted with 
Aaron Burr. By exposure, incidental to this winter 
campaign, in which the troops were destitute of every 
necessary. Dr. M. Irvine was taken sick, at a farm 
house, and confined with acute rheumatism all the rest 
of the winter, and could not rejoin the army. He ne- 
ver perfectly recovered from this illness— he was always 
rheumatic. 

On his return to Philadelphia, he met with Colonel 



404 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

Lee, aud being pleased with eacli otlier, tliey continued 
togetlier niitil the close of the revolution. Ir\T.ne be- 
came the surgeon of Lee's legion, in the southern cam- 
paign, and in their march southward, often experienced 
"short commons" aud other privations. The legion 
once halted at a spacious establishment in Virginia, 
where nobody appeared to welcome them : the owner 
was disaffected — a royalist. Hungry soldiers are never 
ceremonious ; Irvine went into the house, entered a 
parlor with a warm fire, and every thing indicating 
ease and luxury. A middle-aged gentleman sat alone 
near the chimney, but did not speak. Irvine bowed to 
him, but received only a slight nod in return. Irvine 
took a chair at the other side of the fire-place, and tried 
to be sociable, but without effect. To all his questions 
he received the same answer invariably, — " ask my 
steward." Irvine sat in imitation of the other, with his 
feet against the chimney-jam, and a brother officer soon 
entered and spoke to him. " Ah, doctor, I see you are 
in good quarters there." " Yes," said the doctor, "come 
and take a seat." The silent gentleman looked aston- 
ished, not only at the doctor's intrusion, but at his im- 
pudence in inviting company also. After a little while, 
the silent gentleman took another look, and said, " I 
suppose, sir, that you are a doctor ;" but Ir"sdne bowed 
coldly, and made no answer. The Virginian then began 
a long detail of his ailments, indigestion, flying pains, 
sleepless nights, c^c, incidental to a life of indolence 
and luxury, asking the doctor what he should do foi 
them. Dr. Irvine looked at him, and pointed over his 
shoulder, said, " ask my assistant," and to several other 
questions gave no other answer, — " ask my assistant." 
At last, the Virginian burst into a laugh at the doctor's 
retaliation, and with the cordiality of a gentleman, 
entered into sociable conversation. The doctor advised 
his host to join Lee's legion, in their southern cam2)aign, 
as the surest means of curing his indigestion. 

In the field of battle, Ir^dne would become so exci- 
ted that he could not i-einain cpiiet in his hospital. At 
Eutaw, he volunteered as aid to General Greeiie, and 



THE AMERICAN" liEVOLtJTION. 405 

at Quiraby, lie pilslied forward where lie slioiild not 
have been, and while at the side of the adjutant, 
Major Lovell, received a ball in his arm, above the 
elbow. 

When Charleston was re-taken from the British, Dr. 
Irvine settled in Georgetown, married, and enjoyed the 
highest consideration as a gentleDian, a physician and 
a surgeon. After ten years he removed to Charleston, 
where his reputation and talents became more gene- 
rally known and appreciated. Attending once m the 
family of a young couple, their first born was a seven 
months' child, but a fine, healthy, able-bodied fellow. 
This unusual concurrence of circumstances being 
brought to the doctor's notice, he said that it would so 
happen sometimes with the first child, but never after" 
wards. The young couple had other children, but none 
of the premature children were ever full grown. 

Much dissatisfaction against Colonel Lee, was felt 
and expressed by most of the South-Carolina officers, 
many years after the revolution. This arose from cir- 
cumstances, not intended to give displeasure, but from 
eri'ors of education, and habitual indifference to please 
those considered by Colonel Lee his inferiors. Lee 
was accustomed to live among and to act like the 
higher orders of Virginia gentlemen. In his day, it 
was the usage of such gentlemen, to maintain a digni- 
fied manner towards their overseers and others so em- 
ployed, receiving them standing, generally in their 
piazzas, and always " cap in hand." Lee meant no of- 
fence by holding the same deportment to the militia in 
South-Carolina, and even to their officers, but it gave 
offence to those who were the proprietors of the coun- 
try, sustaining the warfare by their individual prowess 
and property, — not only supporting themselves and 
their own horses, without pay or rations from any one, 
but now obliged also to maintain the well fed, well 
dressed^ — well mounted mercenaries, who looked down 
upon them as inferiors. There was, no doubt, a degree 
of jealousy in these feelings, but they are incidental to 
human nature. 



406 TRADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

I was told of oue instance, when the detachment had 
halted for refreshments, and Colonel Lee was reposing 
under a tree, seeing one of the party, in homespun, 
passing near, he hailed him — " here, come here, my man, 
and bring me a Ijucket of cool water." This was an of- 
ficer with an epaulet on his shoulder, who cursed Lee 
to his face, and told him to wait on himself as others 
did. Lee got over it by saying, O ! it was a mistake, 
and did not know him: but this was in fact ad- 
mitting that he would have done the same to any other 
militia man.''* Indeed, he took no pains to please, 
and early prejudices having been excited, were aggra- 
vated by subsequent events. It was a common remark 
among the Carolinians, that Lee would rather a dozen 
militia men should be killed, than one of his govern- 
ment horses. In the attack on Shubrick's house, in 
the first and second part of the battle at Quimby, the 
Carolina troops appeared to be confirmed in this opin- 
ion. It was said also, that Lee had got up a name, by 
his dashing successes in aiding to capture the forts 
Motte, Watson, Granby and Cornwallis, (at Augusta,) 
and now determined to repose on his laurels. Even 
the surrender of these forts, which were among the 
most important events of the campaign, occasioned 
more ill-will than any other previous occurrences. 
Some of the best men in the State expressed their 
displeasure at his agency on these occasions, and 
among them was Colonel Thomas Taylor, of Columbia. 
He said that through Lee's influence, the British ob- 
tained terms at Granby, which should not have been 
granted, as they were on the eve of surrendering. That 
the covered wagons, which they were permitted to 
drive off unsearched, were believed to contain negroes 
and the other property pillaged from him and his 
neighbors. Even the wagons and horses were identi- 
fied by some of his friends, as their property, but they 
were not suftered to reclaim the plunder. This was a 

* Colonel Jarvi3 H. Stevens, oue of the party, was my informant. 



THE AMERlCAISr REVOLUTION. 407 

great hardship, and even tlie most patriotic will com- 
plain under such circumstances. 

But, on the other hand, Lee stands justified by the 
peculiar circumstances of the country. The enemy 
would have held out ao;ainst the militia alone, and not' 
nave surrendered until reduced to the last extremity. 
Lord Rawdon was hastening to raise the siege at Fort 
Granby, and had already advanced to the opposite 
bank of the Congaree, for that purpose; this was 
known to the besiegers, but not to the garrison. He 
came one day too late ; if the British garrison could 
have known it, they certainly would not have capitu- 
lated. Besides, as to the unsearched wagons, it is the 
usage in modern warfare to sanction such stipulations, 
rather than incur the necessity for publicly executing 
all deserters among the prisoners, captured on such 
occasions. It is the only plan by which this usage in 
war can be obviated : a usage, which, however neces- 
sary, is equally repugnant to the feelings of both par- 
ties, and General AVashington not only sanctioned it 
but practiced it. That the surrender of these posts 
should be expedited was highly necessary, not only to 
reduce the enemy, but to draw off the besieging army 
to more active duties in the field. None ivas more sen- 
sible of this than Marion, and he never suffered the 
interest of the country to be hazarded or retarded by 
points'of etiquette. Pickens acted with equal liberality 
and decision at Augusta. They both were higher in 
command than Lee — Marion at Forts Watson and Motte, 
and Pickens at Augusta. Sumter, also, at Granby, being 
convinced of the expediency, acceded to the hard ne- 
cessity for being more liberal to his enemies, than just 
to his companions in arms. But for the aid of Lee, 
with his disciplined regulars, it was doubtful if any of 
these posts would have been surrendered to the South- 
Carolina militia, or until reduced by starvation. 

In Lee's legion, there was a smart, likely young fel- 
low, a subaltern — a great favorite with the whole corps. 
Indeed the whole corps, officers and men, v/ere consid- 



408 TRADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

ered among the most select in form, comeliness, cha- 
racter and discij^line — in bravery and in gallantry, — 
among the many very respectable divisions of the 
American continental ai'my. We remember the gay, 
.courteous, gentlemanly manners of the following offi- 
cers, long after the revolution. Such wei'e Lee, Lovell, 
Garden, Manning, and Irvine. Among so many that 
were remarkable for their personal manly beauty, our 
subaltern had the vanity of an aspiring young soldier ; 
but had not at all times the tact or discretion of his 
superior officers. He had witnessed the smiles and 
favors enjoyed by these officers, in return for their po- 
lite attentions, and concluded, as man was man, and 
love capricious, he also might be blessed with the fa- 
vor of the fair. 

The legion was once stationed at the plantation of a 
wddow lady of great respectability, — "fair, fat, and 
forty,"^ — who entertained them Math equal hospitality 
and courtesy. Seeing our young subaltern with cheer- 
ful looks, sociable and jocose, even with his superior 
officers, she also spoke sociably and kindly to him. 

was flattered by this courtesy of the lady ; put 

on his best attire, and went more and more in the way 
of being noticed by her. She continued her polite at- 
tentions to all, and the vanity of induced him 

to appropriate a large portion of these to himself. At 
length he began to dream of a fine plantation, well 
stocked and well cultivated — a fine house w^ell furnish- 
ed, and a presiding angel at the head of the table, 
welcoming his friends to their plentiful board. He w^as 
infatuated, and made declarations to the lady, by which 
she was neither flattered nor pleased. She told Colo- 
nel Lee of his subaltern's presumption. Lee promptly 
saw all that was due to the lady's feelings and delicacy, 
in punishing the oftender. The lady must be screened 
from the jests and comments of the army, while disci- 
pline was enforced. Lee resolved to substitute patri- 
archal for military discipline. He sent for , took 

him into his chamber, explained to him the imj^ropriety 
of his act, the result solely of his own self-conceit, and 



THE AMEEICAN BEVOLtTTION". 409 

tlie injury tliat the pul)lic service miglit suffer frora it ; 
then took his riding whip, gave him a smart whipping, 
and dismissed him. The crest-fallen soldier retired, 
smarting, but dared not complain to his comrades ; 
instead of recei^dng their sympathy and condolence, he 
knew that he would be only laughed at. He silently 
retired to his duties, cured of his internal affections by 
external applications. 

Major Garden tells us of his meeting with a former 
comrade of the legion — Corporal Cooper — in one of 
his visits to the navy yard in Philadelphia. I also 
became acquainted with him in Charleston, but he 
was then the owner and master of a vessel trading 
between that city and Philadelphia. I found him 
very communicative, full of such anecdotes and nar- 
ratives as I always was pleased with. Captain James 
B. Cooper was one of the very respectable family 
of Quakers, at and near Cooper's ferry, now Camden, 
in New-Jersey, opposite to Philadelphia. When he 
joined the southern army he was young ; his relatives 
and friends tried to prevent it, yet never deserted, 
him ; but, from sectarian tenets, he was excluded 
from their religious society. On his return, he was 
as great a favorite as ever, and many a good patriot 
among them, although dressed in drab, felt a glow 
of honest pride at his recitals of adventures in " the 
tented fields." Cooper coukl not be idle — he had 
no trade—" his occupation gone ;" possibly he had 
no inclination for plodding labor, but delighted in 
adventures. He heard of the new thing — the first 
projected voyage from the United States to China — 
and concluded to join it.'"' The vessel equipped for 
the China voyage w^as no other than the well-known 

* In 1783, a voyage to China was commenced, but not completed. 
A Chebecko sloop, of forty tons, built at Hingham, was sent from Bos- 
ton, loaded with ginseng, to be exchanged for tea in China. When 
she reached the Cape of Good Hope, some English Indiamen there 
offered the skipper two pounds of tea for one of ginseng. The offer 
was accepted, and the short voyage proved to be a very profitable one. 
They soon returned from the Cape to Boston, 



410 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OE 

frigate, Alliance, probably the fastest sailing sliip in 
tlie world at tliat time. She sailed early in 1784, 
tinder the complimentary name of " tbe Empress of 
China," and arrived in Canton in Angnst. This arri- 
val created qnite a sensation, and, after reciproca- 
ting in salntes with the flags of all the different nations 
in port, the officers vied with each other in their polite 
and friendly attentions to the Americans. The French 
sent two boats to assist them in coming to an anchor ; 
the Danes a boat to assist, and the English to Welcome 
them in that country. The Americans soon sold their 
ginseng''* to great advantage, and returned with teas, 
silks and nankeens to their owners. These owners gave 
out that the voyage was unprofitable, but others in 
the United States suspected that it was to prevent 
competition, and the trade went on steadily increasing. 
Silver money, for a time, was almost the only article 
exported from the United States to China. At diffe- 
rent times, when cotton was cheap, it was advantage- 
ously shipped, and now the cotton manufactures of 
the United States afford the most profitable shipment 
that can be made to China. 

When Captain Cooper traded in his own vessel to 
Charleston, about the year 1808, he was frequently 
with me, and always a welcome guest. Among other 
adventures during the revolution, he said that, while 
serving with Marion, the soldiers of the legion shared 
in all their wants, privations and hardships ; that they 
were generally without tents or other shelter, and al- 
ways badly provided with food. On one occasion, 
they had halted for refreshment, and had begun to 
boil their grist in their camp kettles, when an alarm 
was given, before it was cooked. They were ordered 

* Ginseng — a yellow, Hesliy aromatic root, growing in the hilly 
country of the United States — the pauax quiuquefolium of botanists. 
It is still gathered in the Southern States for this trade, and passes 
through the Southern sea-ports, without being reported as one of our 
productions. It is probably shipped coastwise under a fictitious, name, 
as tlie value of it is estimated at sixty-three thousand dollars per an- 
num ; a great object to the China merchants. 



THE AMEEICAK EEVOLtJTIOJf. 411 

to mount, and obliged to leave tlie food untasted, or 
satisfy their craving appetites by looking hard at it. 
He could not be put off in that way ; he poured some 
of the half-boiled hominy into his horseman's cap, put 
it under his arm, and rode forward, eating it, as it 
cooled, with his fingers For want of tents, he always 
looked out, in cold and wet weather, for a rice tierce 
or other empty barrel ; then placing it on its side with 
its head to the wind, and spreading his blanket in it, 
he went in head foremost, and was very comfortable* 
Whenever likely to be stationary for a day or ttvo, he 
would fill his blanket with dry pine leaves and tops, 
for a bed, in preference to straw, moss or any other 
substance. The pine leaves were not only more whole-^ 
some than others, but prevented the collection of ver- 
min among gentlemen, to which all encampments are 
subject.*'* 

When Greene was encamped near the high hills of 
Santee, Cooper was taken very sick with fever, and, 
after several days, in one of the paroxysms, he rolled 
about the fl.oor of the hospital, to find a cool place at 
night, and soothe the heat and pain which distressed 
him. At last, he found something that felt cool ; he 
applied his hands to it, and was refreshed ; then his 
throbbing temples to it, and the pain was soothed ; 
he then put both arms round it, turned the other tem- 
ple to it, and fell asleep^ When daylight came, his 
friends called to see him, and he was better. When 
they opened the shutters, they all began to laugh, but 
he could not imagine at what. One observed, " Cooper 
is surely well again, for he is beginning to play the 

* Dr. Matthew Irvine, Lee's favorite surgeon, told me that the officers 
were so familiar with these companions, that they called them nags ; 
some of which were race nags, and would afford their owners sport by 
running races, and betting on them ; that they selected their racers like 
skilful jockeys — one for his limbs, another for his training or trim, and 
a third for his winnings ; rejecting the fat, well-fed fellows. That these 
nags were called up to the startiug post, by drumming on a tin cup, 
and, if they bolted, they would lose the race, &c., according to the 
rules of the turf. 



412 TRADITIONS AND RE:\rlNlSCENCES OF 

devil by tlie dawn of day/' Another said, " Cooper is 
playing the devil, but in perfect character and costume." 
And another said, " if he has turned devil, turn him 
out, or he will bedevil all the doctors." Cooper was 
accustomed to the jests of his fellow-soldiers, but could 
not imagine the cause of these remarks, and demanded 
what they meant by this merriment at his expense. 
They, still laughing, showed him his hands and face 
covered with pot black ; and, with a little examina- 
tion, discovered that, while rolling about in the dark, 
he had got hold of a large iron pot, filled with cold 
water, which he had been clasping in his arms all 
night, not knowing and not caring what it was that 
afforded him so much comfort, cooling his burning 
palms and soothing his throbbing temples. Cooper 
was a generous, kind-hearted man, with all his levities ; 
and the anecdote of him, published in the second series 
of Garden's Anecdotes, page 225, illustrates his zeal, 
as a partizan, ennobled by his merciful, generous feel- 
ings as a man. Even in the whirlwind of excitement 
in battle scenes, in the struggles for life and death, in 
the contest for liberty against despotism, his uplifted 
arm was stayed by the sorrows of a lady in deep dis- 
tress, and his torch, blazing for the destruction of the 
British camp, was extinguished in a moment. In June, 
1848, Captain James B. Cooper was still living, enjoy- 
ing good health, and holding some situation in the 
navy yard at Philadelphia. 

Extract of a letter from James Cooper, of Lee's 
legion, to Major Garden : 

" I had been separated, with Captain Armstrong and about fifteen 
dragoons, from the rest of our regiment, and had entered the British 
camp. In the interim, psissiiig along the hne of tents, and seeing two 
horses, with officer's portmanteaus fastened on them, he sent me back 
with orders to bring them off, but thinking, as I suppose, that it had 
too much the appearance of plundering, he sent a dragoon to me to 
forbid their removal. Being now left to myself, and no enemy nearer 
than the brick house where the battle was still raging, I deliberately 
rode along, inspecting their camp, when the thought struck me to set it 
on fire, believing that when the British saw it in a blaze it would 
hasten their surrender, which I considered :is inevitable. The wind was 
favorable to my purpose. To complete what I thought of so much 



THE AlVIEEICAN EEVOLUTIOIS'. 413 

importance, I dismounted from my horse, seized a brand of fire, and 
entered a tent. The first object that met my eyes was a very sick sol- 
dier, pale and emaciated, lying on liis straw, while at his head sat an 
interesting looking female, the picture of despair. We exchanged 
looks, but spoke not. The tears chasing each other down her cheeks, 
were forcibly eloquent, and gave strong indication of the tumultuous 
feelings that agitated her heart. The appeal was sufficient. I threw 
the firebrand from me, and rode off." 

When Cooper was trading between Pbiladelpliia 
and Charleston, he consigned his brig to a merchant 
in the latter place, who had been captain of a vessel, 
the late Edward Kennedy. The merchant soon dis- 
covered that Cooper had come well supplied with Phi- 
ladelphia market beef, the first taste of which only 
whetted his appetrte for more, and his calls were too 
frequent to be agreeable to the economical owner of 
his own craft. After a hot summer's day, as Cooper 
was spending the evening seated on his quarter-deck, 
he saw his consignee coming down to his brig, followed 
by a servant with a basket. The object of this visit 
could not be mistaken ; and, just as the merchant 
stepped on to the plank to come on board, Cooper 
called out, in his hearing, " Steward, lock up that beef 
cask, and bring me the key." His order was instantly 
obeyed, and the consignee could not obtain the beef, 
without asking it as a favor ; being unwilling to do 
this, he came on board sullen and silent. Cooper took 
no notice of this behavior, but asked him to take a 
seat, and then, as if alluding to his looks, observed, " it 
is a cool evening." The merchant's " coolness" soon 
passed off, at hearing some of Cooper's good stories, 
and in the chit-chat of a quarter-deck. 

Death of James Cooper. — Mr. Cooper died at eight 
o'clock, last evening, at the residence of his son, C. C. 
Cooper, Esq., in this city, after a short illness, in the 
ninety-seventh year of his age, having been born on 
the 6th of March, 1753, in Bucks county, Pennsylva- 
nia, lie was a brother of the late Judge William 
Cooper, of Cooperstown, and uncle to James Fenni- 
more Cooper. Till within a few days, Mr. Cooper re- 
tained, in a remarkable degree, the powers and facul- 



414 TKADITIONS AND KEMINISCENCES OF 

ties of an athletic frame and strong intellect. He 
emphatically belonged to the iron race of the revolu- 
tion, to an age gone by, and was the friend and inti- 
mate acquaintance of Washington. At the commence- 
ment of the revolution, he served in the navy of Penn- 
sylvania, and, subsequently, in the militia of that his 
native State, and participated in the hard-fought bat- 
tles of Monmouth and Germantown. — Oswego Times^ 
May 3. 

Thaddeus Kosciusko was born in 175G, of an ancient 
and noble family in Lithuania, which was once gov- 
erned by its own hereditary dukes, independent of 
Poland. He was not rich, but was educated, among 
the highest, at the military school of Warsaw. Being 
then })atronised by Prince Czartoriski, he was sent to 
France for the completion of his military education ; 
and, on his return, was made captain in the Polish 
ai'my. Shortly after this, a reciprocal attachment was 
formed between him and the daughter of Sosnowski, 
marshal of Lithuania. Being discountenanced by her 
parents, they eloped together, and after some time 
were overtaken by her enraged father. A personal 
conflict ensued, in which Kosciusko was reduced to 
the painful dilemma, of either killing the father, or 
surrendering his bride. He yielded to her prayers 
and entreaties, and was separated from her forever. 
This was a crisis in the life of Kosciusko ; he never 
was happy after it. His late companions in the army 
decided against him, and he was compelled to resign 
his commission. The lady subsequently married the 
Prince Lubomerski, but Kosciusko never married. 

Miss Porter's beautiful romance, " Thaddeus of A¥ar- 
saw," was probably based on this romantic incident of 
the elopement, and its supposed or real consequences. 
She has not only extended and embellished her fasci- 
nating fiction, but has assigned the origin of her hero 
to a secret marriage between an English gentleman 
with a lady of the noble family, Sobieski, very pro- 
perly concealing the name of the princess, Kosciusko 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 415 

then went to Paris, and obtained a recommendation 
from Dr. Franklin to General Washington, and entered 
the American army. Foreigners were then crowd- 
ing into the ranks, and all could not obtain commis- 
sions. Kosciusko's unassuming deportment pleased 
General Washington, and being asked what he could 
do, replied, modestly, " try me." He was appointed 
engineer, with the rank of colonel, in General Gates' 
army, and fortified his camp in the capture of Bur- 
goyne. He was next sent to West Point, and the for- 
tifications which he there constructed are still admired. 
The following advertisement will show the footing on 
which Kosciusko stood with General Washington : 

"West Point, June Qth, 111 9. 

Lost yesterday, reconnoitering with his Excellency, General Wash- 
ington, a spur, with treble chains on the side, and a single one under 
foot, all silver, except the tongue of the buckle and the rowel. Who- 
soever has found, or shall find it, and will bring it to Colonel Kosciusko, 
or at head-quarters, shall have ten dollars reward." 

He next served under General Greene, in the South, 
and his personal bravery in action secured to him the 
high commendations of his commanding ofiicei's, and 
the confidence of the whole army. He was then ap- 
pointed quarter-master general of the Southern army, 
and served in that rank until the surrender of Charles- 
ton, directing all the military works, ofifensive and 
defensive, in that brilliant campaign.''' He received 
the thanks of Congress, and, with La Fayette, was 

'* Dr. Peter Fayssoux, who was surgeon-general in South-Carolina, 
told me that he had been displeased with Kosciusko, for having in- 
truded himself into the hospital of General Greene's army, while at the 
high hills of Santee, when tea, coffee and sugar could scarcely be pro- 
cured for the sick, even at extravagant pnces. In conversation with 
Dr. William Reed, one of the surgeons of that hospital, on this circum- 
stance, he admitted the fact that Kosciusko was in his mess in the hos- 
pital, but said that it was a mutual accommodation. Kosciusko gave 
up all his rations to the hospital, never touching a drop of ardent 
spirits, tire, but contenting himself with the slops and soups of that 
establishment, which fare was no luxury, and that he (Dr. Reed) had 
invited him, as a companion, to do so. 



416 TRADITIOlSrS AND REAflJSriSCEXCES OF 

elected a member of the Cincinnati Society — tlie only 
two foreigners who were so complimented. After this, 
Kosciusko returned to head-quarters, and was appointed 
aid-de-camp to General Washington, with which rank 
and the approbation of the commander-in-chief, he 
returned to Poland. 

In 1789, he was made major-general, under Ponia- 
towski, and sided with him in their hard-fought battles 
to support the constitution of 1791. Again, in 1794, 
he headed the insurrection against Kussia and Prussia. 
After many brilliant successes, he proclaimed the con- 
stitution, and organised the government at Warsaw, 
with the rank of generalissimo and power of dictator. 
Here he commanded with the dignity and moderation 
of Washington, but he was soon hemmed in by the 
overwhelming forces of the allies. The beautiful su- 
burbs of Praga were destroyed, and Warsaw taken 
by Suwarroff. 

" Hope for a season bade the world farewell, 
And freedom shrieked when Kosciusko fell." 

He was in dissfuise, fio^htins^ in the foremost ranks of 
his army — acting, at the same time, the part of an 
able commander and of a brave soldier — when he fell 
wounded. A favorite soldier incautiously announced 
his name, and endangered his life. Covered with 
wounds, he was conveyed to St. Petersburg, and, by 
the orders of Catharine, confined until her death. 
Paul released and honored him. Paul offered his own 
sword to the disabled hero, but it was respectfully 
declinod by Kosciusko, saying that " a sword was no 
longer of use to him, as he had no longer a country to 
defend." Paul permitted him to live in France, from 
whence he came out to the United States, where 
Congress complimented him with a grant of land. 

Napoleon, on his return from Elba, had published 
the appointment of Kosciusko, by him, to the com- 
mand of a Polish army ; ])ut this the Polish patriot 
denied, and said that " it never had been oftered to 
him, that Napoleon knew him too well." 



THE AMERICAlSr REVOLUTION". 417 

"When tbe allied armies overran France, Kosciusko 
was settled on a farm in the neighborhood of Fontain- 
bleau. The advanced guard of the Russian army was 
a Polish regiment, which, when foraging in a village 
near that place, committed many wanton outrages on 
the property of the inhabitants. The officers of this 
regiment stood by, seeing, but not restraining, the licen- 
tiousness of their soldiers. While thus employed, they 
were astonished to hear the word of command given 
in their own language, l)y a person in the dress of the 
upper class of French peasants, bidding them to desist. 
The officers and men gathering round him, he ex- 
plained to them the useless ravages committed, and 
the violations of modern civilized warfare, thus author- 
ised by the presence of those whose duty it was to 
restrain it. The stranger then went on to say, " when 
I had command in the army, of which your regiment 
is a part, I punished very severely such acts as you 
seem to sanction ; and it is not on the soldiers but on 
you that the punishment would have fallen." Aston- 
ished at being thus lectured, in their own language, in 
a tone of authority, by a French peasant, they de- 
manded of him who he was, and were answered, '' I am 
Kosciusko." The officers and men bowed to the dust 
with heartfelt reverence, and retired at his command. 
The Emperor Alexander having heard of the circum- 
stance, and the place of Kosciusko's residence, sent a 
Russian guard of honor to protect him, and the coun- 
try around, from depredations and exactions. 

He returned to France, and died in Switzerland, on 
the 16th October, 1817, but his remains were honored 
by the Emperor Alexander By his order they were 
removed to Cracow, deposited in the tomb of the 
Polish kings, and public funeral honors paid to him in 
Warsaw. Whilst passing through Italy, he was recog- 
nized by the expatriated Polanders, who were serving 
in the Italian army, and from them received one of the 
greatest compliments of his life. The sword of John 
Sobieski, the champion of Christendom, had been 
found in Loretto, in a museum ; this they presented to 
27 



418 TRADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

Kosciusko, as the most worthy person, in their estima- 
tion, to be its protector, and to wear the sword of 
Sobieski. 

The cadets of West Point have erected a monument 
to his memory, within the are^ of the works con- 
structed by Kosciusko. The name inscribed, being 
spelled with a z — Kosciuzko. 



REVOLUTIONARY SONG, WRITTEN AFTER THE BATTLE OF 
MONMOUTH. 

In history we read of Charles, the royal Swede, 

And many more brave warriors, that have great conquests made ; 

For Washington renowned, the trimip of fame doth sound, 

We all agree, in bravery, his match can scarce be found. 

In the midst of horrid war, where the troops of warlike nations 

Come glittering from afar ; 
'Midst the rattling of their drums, and the thundering of their guns, 

He scorns to yield, but braves the field, 

And from no danger turns. 
In the midst of smoke and fire, he cries, My braves do not retire, 
But fight while your veins the blood contains, 
And free our great empire. 

Then may the great Jehove, the god of peace and love, 
Eeward our gallant hero, and all his deeds approve. 
And when he is deceased, let all of this great race 
Still hold it good to shed their blood, 
And crown our days in peace. 



THE AMEEICAN EEVOLUTION. 419 



CHAPTER XIIL 



Massacres at Turner's House, Hays' Station, Gowan's Fort and Mills' 
Station — Battles of Cedar Spring and Mud Lick — Colonels B. Roe- 
buck, Heniy White and John Thomas, Mrs. Colonel J. Thomas, 
Junr., — Oeneral William Butler — Death of Loveless and of Bloody 
Bates — Judge Burke — Anecdotes — Joseph McJunkin — Colonel Fran- 
cis H. Harris — the Hamptons — Captain John Doharty — Captain 
Thomas Young — A Dutch Sermon — Myer Franks — Jordan Mountjoy. 

Some of tlie hardest fouglit battles, and many of 
tlie most thrilling incidents of the revolution, occurred 
in the thinly settled upper districts of South-Carolina. 
York, Spartaubui'g, Edgefield, Chester and Fairfield, 
are among the most distinguished for their self-devo- 
tion in the trying scenes which succeeded to the fall 
of Charleston. The sufferings and heroic achievements 
of those hardy, enterprising, gallant backwoodsmen, 
have never been recorded in history, probably from 
their not having been officially reported to the heads 
of departments. The names of their gallant leaders 
are unknown, except in the traditions of their descend- 
ants. It has been our object to search for and publish 
these traditions, thrilling incidents and personal notices, 
wherever they could be obtained. But some of them 
are too horrid for publication, and confirm General 
Greene's statement, that " the inhabitants hunt each 
other down like wild beasts." The capture of Gowan's 
fort, on Pacolet river, not far from Rutherford, in 
North-Carolina, the massacre at Hay's Station, and 
that at Turner's house, were of this character. 

Bates, on this occasion, divided his forces, that he 
might act with more certainty and despatch. While 
he conducted the proceedings at Fort Gowan, the 
other party proceeded against another small fort, 
called " Mills' Station," in North-Carolina, and in their 
way destroyed several families of the scattered settlers 



420 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

on tlie frontiers, particularly tliat of Mr. Stillmon. 
Not apprehending an attack, the garrison at Mills' 
Station were dispersed in the neighborhood, and the 
fort was captured, without resistance, by the Indians 
and their more savage white allies. Although there 
was no resistance, the fate of its inhabitants was the 
same as in other places — an indiscriminate massacre. 

The massacre at Hays' Station, in Laurens District, 
has been described by different writers. William 
Cunningham, the tory commander of the assailants, 
was almost the only executioner in the inhuman deeds. 
For this and other similar acts, he was called Bloody 
Bill Cunningham. We seek not his frailties to dis- 
close, nor to excuse the violent men, on either side, in 
this savage drama. 

After repeated assaults by the tories and British, 
gallantly and successfully repulsed, Gowan's fort was 
at last surrendered to an overwhelming force of In- 
dians and tories, under " Bloody Bates." It was sur- 
rendered, under a stipulation that the lives of the pri- 
soners should be protected from the savages. But 
this stipulation for mercy was immediately violated, 
and only one escaped with life of all the inmates 
of that asylum for the neighboring whig families. This 
was Mrs. Thomson, wife of Abner Thomson, Esq., who, 
having been scalped and supposed to be dead, recov- 
ered from her wounds, and lived in Greenville about 
fifty years after the awful scene. These inhumanities 
were too frequently followed by as savage retaliation, 
and vindictive, lawless acts. 



MASSACRE AT TURNER'S HOUSE. 

Captain James Butler, father of the late General 
William Butler, had been a very active and useful 
patriot in the early part of the war. Becoming infirm 
with age, he resigned his commission as captain in a 
company of militia of Colonel LeRoy Hammond's re- 
giment. The vacancy had been filled by the appoint-^ 



THE AMERICAIS" REVOLUTIOl^. 421 

ment of Sterling Turner, also a brave, intelligent, 
patriotic officer. Most of the effective men belonging 
to this company, district or beat, commanded ])y Cap- 
tain S. Turner, were from home in service. Hearing 
that there was a number of royalists in the vicinity 
of Cloud's Creek, Captain Turner, with twenty-three 
men, all, or nearly all, men of family, made an excur- 
sion into that neighborhood, under the orders of Gene- 
ral Pickens, and was directed to traverse the country 
between that and the waters of Edisto, and to commu- 
nicate, from time to time, such movements of the enemy 
as he might discover, or deem important to the good 
of the country and safety of the inhabitants. 

Old Captain Butler volunteered his services with 
Captain Turnei*. They were assailed by two hundred 
and fifty ro^'alists, more or less, commanded by Wil- 
liam Cunningham, retired to a log-house, and, after a 
sturdy defence, the royalists set fire to its shed, and 
the whigs capitulated. They were promised good 
treatment, and to be sent to the first regular British 
post, and delivered over to the commanding officer, to 
be treated in all respects as prisoners of war. They 
were to march out with clubbed arms, and to ground 
them in front of the house. Captains Butler and Tur- 
ner came out first. As soon as they passed the door 
of the house, Cunningham drew his sword, and said, 
" these fellows had better be paroled, and I will show 
you what kind of parole they are to have — do you 
follow my example." With this, he made a blow at 
Butler, but missed him, and Butler, with his clubbed 
rifle, struck one of them to the ground, and, by a 
blow from another, he fell dead on the man he knocked 
down. In a few moments, every man was thus mur- 
dered, except one, who was saved, with difficulty, by 
the intercession of a relative attached to Cunningham's 
command. Thus fell the brave and venerable Butler, 
and his worthy commanding officer, Captain Turner ; 
and thus were twenty-three families deprived of their 
husbands and fathers. The author of this note (Colo- 



422 TRADITIONS AND KEMINISCENCES OF 

nel S. Hammond) was at tlie spot tlie next clay, and 
found the female relatives burying tlie dead. 



FROM THE MAGNOLIA, OF AUGUST, 184-2. 

Tlie battle of Cedar Sprinpfs, in Spartanburg Dis- 
trict, altliougli of the utmost importance to that por- 
tion of the State, has never been noticed in history, 
and the following particulars are narrated by a son of 
Colonel White, who distinguished himself in the bat- 
tle of Cowpens and other hard fought actions. 

Colonel Clarke, of Georgia, was on his march into 
North- Carolina, with a broken regiment of his brave 
countrymen, to join the northern army then expected 
in the South* The news of his march reached the 
ears of Colonel Ferguson, who immediately despatched 
Ma,jor Duulap, of the British army, with a detachment 
of troops, consisting principally of tories, for the pur- 
pose of intercepting Colonel Ckirke and his regiment 
of militia. Clarke, not expecting an attack, had en- 
camped for the night, two or three miles from Cedar 
Springs, when he was alarmed by the firing of a gun 
by one of Dunlap's soldiers, Avho said that his gun 
went off accidentally, and he was not suspected of 
treachery. Colonel Clarke immediately decamped, 
and marched to the Cedar Springs, and remained un- 
disturbed until morning. Dnnlap took possession of 
Clarke's encampment, and waited till day. Josiali 
Culverson, of Spartaii])urg, a very active, daring whig, 
rode into Dunlap's encampment, believing it to be 
Clarke's, but discovering his mistake, succeeded in 
making his escape, and spurred forward to give Clarke 
notice of the enemy. Clarke was ready for action 
when Dunlap commenced it,"^ Tiie British and tories 
were repulsed with considerable loss ; the Americans 

* It is also said tliat Mrs. Thomas, the heroic mother of Colonel J. 
Thomas, Jr., gave Clarke the first notice which induced him to quit his 
camp. She had ridden sixty miles on horseback lor that purpose. 



THE AMEBIC AN DEVOLUTION. 423 

sustained but little injury. Culverson was- attacked 
by a British dragoon, but despatched him with his 
rifle. In burying the dead, this dragoon was observed 
to have some peaches in his pocket, and it is well 
known that a peach tree grew from his grave, and 
bore fruit many years. 

Josiah Culverson was a native of Spartanliurg Dis- 
trict, and was actively engaged during the whole of 
the revolution. He was a young man of fine charac- 
ter, and much admired by his companions in arms. If 
any daring or hazardous enterprise was set on foot, 
Culverson was always among the first to volunteer his 
services, and the last to abandon it. We have already 
seen him acting with great coolness and determination, 
in defending Mi"s. TLomas' house — in extricating him- 
self from Dunlap's camp — informing Colonel Clarke of 
Dunlap's position, and then affording him important 
aid in the battle of Cedar Springs. In one of Plun- 
dering Brown's inroads against the whigs of Spartan- 
burg, he stopped at Culverson's house, in his absence, 
conducted himself in a rude manner to Culverson's 
young wife, and left it with many threats and much 
bravado. Fortunately, Culverson returned home that 
night, accompanied by a friend, named Charles Hollo- 
way. They were soon told of Brown's threats and 
intended return. Culverson's high spirit could not 
brook such treatment of his wife, and the next morn- 
ing early, he and Holloway followed the track of 
Brown, and his companion, Butler. After being fol- 
lowed for ten or twelve miles, they were overtaken, and 
Brown killed by Culverson. Holloway fired also, but 
missed Butler, and he escaped on foot. Culverson 
continued to live in Spartanburg many years after the 
peace. He then removed to the western country, 
where he still lived a few years ago, and may be alive 
at this day. — By Hon. B. F. Perry. 

See another statement of this battle. 

The Imttle of Mud Lick was fought in the summer 
of 1781, by the remnant of a regiment of militia, 



424 TEAt)iTio]srs and eemikiscences oy 

under tlie command of Colonel Benjamin Roebuck, 
and a garrison of British soldiers and tories, stationed 
at " Williams' Fort," in Newberry District. The whigs 
did not exceed one hundred and fifty men, whilst the 
enemy was greatly superior in numbers and discipline, 
besides having the protection of a strong fortress. In 
order to deprive them of this last advantage, those of 
the whigs who were mounted riflemen, were ordered 
to show themselves in front of the fort, and then re- 
treat to an advantageous position, selected by the 
commanding officers. The enemy no sooner saw the 
militia retreating, than they commenced a hot pursuit, 
confident of an easy victory. The first onset was 
furious, but it was checked by Colonel White and his 
riflemen. As soon as the green-coat cavalry made 
their appearance. Colonel White levelled his rifle at 
one of the officers in front, and killed him. The fire 
of the other riflemen was also very destructive, and 
brought the cavalry to a halt until the infantry came 
up, when the engagement became general, and con- 
tinued about an hour, with alternate advantages. At 
length, the British and tories were totally routed, with 
great loss. The whigs did not lose many, but among 
the killed was Captain Robert Thomas, an officer very 
much beloved and lamented. Colonel White was 
badly wounded, but recovered. This victory broke 
up the enemy's stronghold in that section of the coun- 
try, and relieved the people from those marauding 
bands which infested every part of the State where 
there was a British station. 

The names of Colonel Benjamin Roebuck and of 
Colonel Henry White are not mentioned, so far as we 
recollect, in our revolutionary history ; and yet there 
were not in the service of the country two more active 
or enterprising officers. Colonel Roebuck was a native 
of Spartanburg District, brave to a fault, and disinter- 
ested as he was brave, wholly devoted to the good of 
his country. He had the command of a colonel in the 
battle of Cowpens, and was the first who received the 
attack of the British in that memorable action. He 



HIE AMEKICAIsr EEYOLUTION". 425 

Was also engaged in many other battles, and we wish 
to embalm the memory of all such pure and devoted 
patriots. He was taken prisoner, and committed to 
close confinement in Ninety-Six District, was repeated- 
ly wounded, suffered much from his wounds, and finally 
died about the close of the war. He never married— 
his only command was over the brave militia of Spar- 
tauburo^ and York Districts— all his neis-hbors, friends 
and fellow patriots. 

Colonel White was the intimate friend and compan- 
ion in arms, of Colonel Roebuck. He, too, was a most 
active, gallant and useful officer, throughout the whole 
of our revolution. He served at the siege of Ninety- 
six, and was in the battles of Cowpeus, under Morgan, 
and of Eutaw, under Greene. After the last battle, he 
returned home, and was very active in clearing Spar- 
tanburgh and its adjoining districts, of the predatory 
bands which were infesting them. He lived to a good 
old age, and enjoyed the blessings of independence, for 
w^hich he had bravely fought and bled. 

Colonel John Thomas, Sen., is well known in Spar- 
tanburg, as the commander of a regiment at the com- 
mencement of the revolution, and did considerable 
service by his actions, as well as by his example and 
influence. He afterwards resigned, and his son, John 
Thomas, Jun., was appointed to succeed him. Under 
this active, enterprising young officer, the regiment 
served in the battle of Cowj)ens, and was much at- 
tached to him. His mother was remarkable for her 
Spartan boldness and determined spirit. Arms and 
ammunition for the regiment, having been deposited 
at her house, she and a lad named Josiah Culverson, 
bravely defended it against a party of tories, who were 
plundering and murdering the neighbors. She and 
Culverson kept up so lively a fire, from the upper part 
of the house, that four or five of the enemy were 
wounded, and the rest retreated from the fortress after 
much firing, not suspecting the weakness of the gari^i- 
son^ and apprehending a sally on them in theii* rear. 



426 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OE 

Young Culverson afterwards married Mrs. Thomas' 
daughter. 



o 



Major General William Butler, was well known for 
liis ])atrioti8m and bravery, in the upper pai-t of South-" 
Carolina, although his name does not appear in any 
Hisfory of the American Revolution. He entered the 
service of his country when a very young man, and con- 
tinued actively and ardently engaged during the whole 
struggle for independence. There was no one who es- 
poused the side of liberty and his country, with more 
zeal and devotion. Endowed by nature, with an ar- 
dent and impetuous tem]:)erament, high and honorable 
feelings, and a bold and fearless spirit, it was impossible 
for him to remain inactive, or look with indifference on 
the scenes, through which the country was passing. In 
the darkest period of her distress and subjection, as 
well as in the sunshine of her victories and success, he 
was ever found, manfully maintaining her rights, and 
fearlessly lighting her enemies. He had, for several 
years, the command of a troop of cavalry, under Gene- 
ral Pickens, and whilst in this service, had frequent 
skirmishes with the enemy ; and many incidents are 
related of him, which well deserve a page in the history 
of his country. 

On one occasion, he fell in with the f^mlous " Bill 
Cunningham, Captain of the bloody scout," a name 
which always struck terror to the hearts of the honest 
people of the upper country. The murderous deeds 
and shocking cruelties of " Bill Cunningham," are well 
known in the history of South-Carolina. He command- 
ed a mounted company of tories, which traversed the 
whole upper country, and went from house to house, 
murdering the heads of all the families who fell in their 
way. Captain Butler, Avitli his troop of cavalry, was 
sent in search of Cunningham. They met ; and after ia 
slight skii'mish, the tories fled, as Avas their jiractice, 
when opposed by regular troops. Cunningham was 
mounted on a blooded horse, which he had stolen, in 
the lower country, remarkable for its fleetness. Captain 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTIOK. 427 

Butler was also riding a fine cliarger. He recognized 
Cunningham, and singled him out in tlie chase. Tliey 
became separated from tlieir respective troops, and the 
chase through the woods was a very close one. While 
at full speed, and but a few paces ahead of Butler, 
Cunningham fired his last pistol over his shoulder, 
without looking round, but missed his object. Butler 
had also discharged both his pistols, and his only reli- 
ance now, was on the fleetuess of his horse and the 
goodness of his sword. In passing through the woods, 
Cunningham's sword was torn from his side, and fell 
into the possession of his pursuer. It was a beautiful 
and costly weapon, which was ever afterwards worn 
by General Butler, in all his military excursions, not 
only during the revolution, but in the latter j)art of his 
life, whilst a Major General of the militia. On his 
death, he gave the sword to his son, the Honorable Wil- 
liam Butler, a member of Congress, from the Districts 
of Pendleton and Green\dlle, in whose possession it still 
remains. Cunningham also lost his pocket-book in the 
chase, which fell into the hands of Captain Butlei', and 
is still in the possession of a member of his family. 
After going some distance through the woods, they 
struck a road ; and Cunningham, knowing the speed 
of his horse on a fair turf, tauntingly said to Butler, " I 
now leave you," and was, in a few minutes, out of dan- 
ger and beyond pursuit. 

General Butler lived and died in Edgefield District. 
He was successively a member of the Legislature, a 
member of the State convention, which adopted the 
federal constitution, and for many years, a member of 
Congress, from the districts of Edgefield and Barnwell. 
He left, at his death, some seven or eight sons, who 
have filled the highest ofiices within the gift of South- 
Carolina — the executive chair, a seat on the bench in 
Congress, the National Senate, &c. 

After the close of the revolution, and whilst the 
circuit court of law was sitting in Cambridge, for the 
district of " Ninety-SiX:," there Avas a fellow by the 
name of Loveless, brought before the court on a charge 



428 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OE 

of horse stealing He had been a noted tory and plun- 
derer, during the revolution, and was one of a murder- 
ous band, which had killerl General Butler's father and 
uncle. On this trial, it was discovered, that the testi- 
mony was insufficient to establish his guilt, and the 
jury were compelled, as a matter of course, to bring 
in a verdict of " not guilty." But no sooner was the 
verdict pronounced, than the crowd determined that 
Loveless had higher offences to atone for, than that of 
taking his neighbor's horse ; and that although he had 
escaped punishment in one case, he should not be so 
fortunate in the other. The blood of the Butlers and 
other whigs, who had been murdered by this lawless 
ruffian, cried out for revenge, and their descendants 
determined it should be had in a summary way. With 
a file of men, General Butler went into the court-house, 
and in the presence of the judge and jury, seized the 
prisoner before he could be released from the bar, 
carried him out into the court-yard, and there hanged 
him on a tree which grew in front of the court house. 
The spectators — an immense crowd, did not attempt to 
interfere. The presiding judge was the Hon. Edanus 
Burke, a man of high talents and great legal attain- 
ments. He had come to America, from Ireland, his 
birth-place, at the commencement of the revolution, 
as an advocate for liberty ; was elected one of the cir- 
cuit judges in South-Carolina, in 1778, and served as 
such until the State was overrun by the British. The 
duties of his office being then suspended, he took a 
commission in the army, and when the courts were re- 
established, he laid aside the military for the civil office. 
He was unacquainted with the manners and customs 
of the people, in the upper country, and although a 
brave man in the field, was not a little startled and 
shocked, at seeing, on this occasion, the prisoner car- 
ried out of court, in defiance of the law, and immedi- 
ately executed, as if in contempt of the judge and jury, 
who had just acquitted him. 

A parallel case to this, occurred in Greenville, about 
the same time. "The Bloody Bates" was committed 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 429 

to jail on tlie charge of liorse-stealing, and was identi- 
fied as the leader of the Indians, and " more savage 
men," who had ravaged that neighborhood, and cap- 
tured Gowan's fort, destroying all the inhabitants, in 
violation of his pledge on their capitulation. All the 

family of Motley, were killed on that occasion, 

excej^t one young man, who made his escape, badly 
wounded. He was at work, in the field, when he 
heard that Bates was committed to jail, and considered 
it a solemn duty, to avenge with his own hand, the 
murder of his father, mother, brothers and sisters, by 
this perfidious monster. He procured a pair of pistols, 
went to the jail, and presenting one pistol to the jailer, 
threatened him with instant death, if he did not give 
him admittance to Bates. On being admitted, he shot 
Bates through the heart, and then returned to the cul- 
tivation of his farm, where he lived ten years after that 
event. He subsequently removed to the West, and 
died, the father of a numerous and respectable family. 
Judge Burke had probably just heard of Bates' death, 
in Greenville, and on witnessing this act, in Cambridge, 
in violation of his authority, and of all civil jurispru- 
dence, he felt indignant. The wife of Loveless, in the 
greatest distress, rushed into court, and with tears, en- 
treated that the judge would save her husband. The 
judge replied: — '' Before God, my good woman, I dare 
not, or they will hang me too." Instead of attempting 
to save the prisoner, he dismissed the court; and in- 
stead of continuing his circuit, he hastened back to 
Charleston, pronouncing the people all Yahoos ! Yahoos! 
The judge had come to America for liberty, but he 
thought this was taking too much liberty with him ; 
and he could not tell what would be the next step — 
they might be more lyersonal in their attentions to him. 

The violent passions excited in the breasts of those 
honest, but uneducated people, resulted from the inhu- 
man treatment that they had received from their ene- 
mies, and the total suspension of all legal proceedings 
during the revolution ; the case is now widely difierent. 

Judge Burke was a very liberal, enlightened and 



430 traditioj^s and eeminiscences of 

humane man ; a delightful companion, full of humor 
and original wit, blended with much good sense ; but 
from a heedless or hasty mode of expressing himself, 
he was often the subject of merriment among his friends, 
as he was the source of it. He frequently committed 
national mistakes — bulls. On one occasion, having to 
pass sentence of death on a man, who had been legally 
convicted, he concluded as usual with the words, " that 
you be hanged by the neck, until you are dead;" to 
this he unfortunately added, " I am sorry for it, my 
friend, it is what we must all come to"— -and the so- 
lemnity of the scene was interrupted by a burst of 
laughter, at which the judge was the only one surprised. 
On another occasion, he charged the jury to acquit a 
prisoner of the charge of horse stealing, because it ap- 
peared from the testimony, that he was intoxicated 
with corn wMskeij when he stole the horse. " I know," 
said his honor, to the jury, " that this vile stuff you call 
corn iDliiskeijy gives a man a propensity to stale. I once 
got drunk myself, on corn whiskey, and came very near 
taking, without lave., a fine horse.'^" Calling one day, to 
see Dr. Elisha Poinsett, he was asked to take a glass 
of porter, and at the side-board took up the cork-screw, 
and commenced drawing the cork; but giving it a jerk, 
the screw came out without the cork. He immediate- 
ly observed, " it must be northern porter, being badly 
corked ;" but the doctor pointed out to him, that he 
had forgotten to remove the wire. I remember him 
when a member of the State convention, for the adop- 
tion of the federal constitution. As a democrat, the 
judge disapproved of many parts of that constitution, 
and opposed it with mucli sound reasoning, honest 
warmth and some humor. Speaking against the power 
in the executive, to withhold information on State af- 
fairs, from the public, he was particularly warm. He 
urged that all foreign and domestic relations, were the 

* The judge probably took tliis method of saving the man's hfe, as lie 
thought the law too severe, and that the life of a man should not be 
set against the value of a two penny horse. 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTION". 431 

affairs of the people, and sliould not be concealed from 
tliem by the President and cabinet, who were but the 
agents of the people, for the management of these 
public concerns. That the power to conceal, afforded 
the means of suppressing measures, that the cabinet 
was ashamed to make known, and would result, in self- 
interest, self- aggrandisement, intrigue and corruption. 
" I am opposed, Mr. President, to all concealment from 
the people, in their public concerns ; it will always be 
resorted to by those who wish to screen themselves 
from public censure. Concealment ! before God, it 
reminds me of a certain domestic animal, who, having 
been at dii'ty work, resorts to concealment, by covering 
it over ;" while speaking, he extended his hand, and 
moving his fingers in such a way, that left no doubt of 
his allusion. 

So satisfied were all, of his talents, candor and integ- 
rity, that on the adoption of the federal constitution, 
he was the first senator elected, to the first Congress. 
The federalists told him, that he was sent to see that 
none of the abuses and corruptions, which he anticipa- 
ted, should be practiced on the people ; he had no op- 
ponent. While attending Congress, he became the 
second of Aaron Burr, in a duel with Mr. Church. Of 
course, Burke had to load the pistols, and was instruct- 
ed to grease the patch. When the parties were ready, 
and at their stations. Burr looked round for the judge, 
and saw him with a stone in one hand and a pistol in 
the other, trying to drive down the ram-rod with the 
ball, to the charge of powder. Shortly afterwards, 
he presented the pistol to Burr, saying, " I forgot to 
grease the leather, but don't keep him waiting, just 
take a crack as it is, and Pll grease the next." Burr 
bowed, took his pistol, although he knew its situation ; 
and at the word " fire," discharged it ineffectually, as 
the ball dropped midway between him and his oppo- 
nent. 

The judge once had a dispute with a mechanic, em- 
ployed to do some work for him, but being dissatisfied 
with the work and the workmen, the judge, like a full 



432 TRADITIONS AND RE:\lIISriSCENCES OF 

blooded Irishman, gave the other a " bating," and broke 
his head. On being asked about it, he said, that it 
was all settled, as he had applied a j^laster to the wound, 
and healed it up very soon. Being again asked to ex- 
plain, he said, that he had given the man a ten pound 
bank note, and was only afraid, that the fellow, being 
so well paid, would come back to him with his impu- 
dence, and provoke him to break his head again, for 
the same money. 

Judge Burke's integrity and talents were unques- 
tionable ; he was a concise, close and forcible rea- 
soner; his actions were too often guided by the impulse 
of the moment. He held a commission in the 
American army, and on some occasion, entering into a 
discussion about suicide, he was induced to put his ob- 
servations on paper, in §$ more connected form than 
they had been stated in conversation. I was told the 
circumstance, by a brother officer, who went on to say, 
that it occurred while in camp, where the officers, when 
not engaged in active duty, too frequently yielded to 
ennui, or resorted to gaming or the bottle to escape from 
it. To one gentleman, only, was this manuscript shown, 
and he put an end to his existence on the same day. 
This melancholy event, appeared to be so intimately 
connected with Burke's arguments in favor of suicide, 
that he immediately destroyed the only copy, saying, 
that however specious in argument, he was now satis- 
fied, the opinions he had advanced, were opposed to 
our duty both to God and man. 

When the revolutionary army was disbanded, and 
its officers dispersed throughout the thirteen States, 
many entertained fond recollections of their brothers 
in arms, of their common dangers and common tri- 
umphs; and the order of Cincinnati was established to 
cement the union of the continental officers exclusively. 
That order was to be perpetuated, by the admission of 
their oldest sons, as junior members of that society, 
expanding its branches over every State in the Union, 
and all uniting under one head, one military chief; 
General Washington was their President-general. All 



THE AMEBIC AN EE VOLUTION. 433 

the branches of this society had the same seal, badge or 
crest in common; this was a silver eagle, with the 
American flag as its breast-plate or shield. Being a 
patriotic society, composed of the highest and bravest 
officers, and most honorable men in the United States, 
nothing at first was apprehended, and every hope en- 
courag:ed, that the members would be emulous of the 
character and example of the Roman Cmcinnatus, 
whose name they had adopted, and of the greater 
American patriot at their head. But who could say, 
what political, or party commotions might arise in 
America, in its domestic or foreign relations? what 
might be the feelings and aspirations of Washington's 
successors in office, and the military ardor of the rising 
generation ? 

A little reflection showed, that the establishment was 
too exclusive for a republican government. Not ad- 
mitting any but continental officers, and their oldest 
sons, it of course excluded the hundreds of equally 
brave, meritorious, and honorable militia officers 
throughout the union ; Sumter, Marion, Pickens, Barn- 
well, Taylor and the like, were not admitted. It was 
equally exclusive as to the children of these gentlemen, 
and their parental feelings revolted at the implied, or 
contingent inferiority of their children, to those of any 
other persons, however named or constituted. The 
original constitution of this society, was assailed by va- 
rious writers of talent, as an aristocratic association, not 
only in its original members, but in the provisions 
made for its per})etuity of distinction. They represent* 
ed that this establishment was calculated and intended, 
to create a privileged order of knights, noblemen or 
other political aspirants, repugnant to the principles 
of our republic, and likely to endanger it. That we 
never would admit any pretensions to superiority in 
rights, titles or privileges, other tlian those recognized 
in the federal constitution, and would defend our equal 
rights, against the assumed distinctions of all other per- 
sons. 

The chief of these writers, were the celebrated Mira- 
28 



434 TEADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

beau, of Franco, Judge Brackenriclge, of Pennsylvania, 
and Judge Burke, of South-Carolina. The strength of 
Brackenridge was in his satire and ridicule ; among 
other hits, he represented their eagle and breast-plate, 
as a goose on a gridiron: He said or published some- 
thing, about the year 1Y96, about General A. Wayne, 
which gave him great offence. Mad Anthony, sent 
Brackenridge a challenge, which was declined. Some 
discussion ensued between the seconds, when Brack- 
enridge sent word, that he felt no inclination to kill 
General Wayne, or to be killed by him. Nor did he 
covet the reputation of being a great shot; but if Gen. 
Wayne did wish to establish such a name, he should 
have a fair chance for it. That he would chalk on a 
barn door the figure and size of his person, and General 
Wayne might shoot at that very deliberately ; if he hit 
the figure, Brackenridge would candidly acknowledge 
that Wayne would have hit him, if he had stood there. 

The seconds gave up the business, but Wayne would 
not do so ; he vowed that he would whip Brackenridge, 
and not meeting with him in the streets, he went to 
his house for that purpose. Brackenridge hearing the 
thundering raps at his door, looked out at the window, 
and seeing who was there, spoke to him — " how do 
you do, General Wayne, how are you this morning?" 
Wayne looked up, and shaking his stick, said, " come 
down here, sir, and I will give you this as long as I 
can feel you." "Thank you, general, said Bracken- 
ridge, I would not come down if you would give me 
twice as much." 

Judge Burke's publication against the original plan 
of the Cincinnati, was decidedly the most pungent, 
forcible and efficient of them all. It was under the 
signature of " Cassius," with the motto 

" Sound the trumpet in Zion," 

and by it chiefly, they were induced to alter their con- 
stitution, to repeal the hereditary taint, and admit 
members as companions and friends. Lafayette and 
Kosciusko were now received as members. 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTIOlSr. 435 

Among tlie mistakes made by Judge Burke, from 
absence of mind or other predispositions, one occurred 
in tke presence of the whole bar, and probably of the 
jury. The judges were in the habit of leaving their 
robes of office at a neighboring dry-goods store, kept 
by Miss VanRhyn, a respectable middle-aged Igidy, 
a native of Holland. Judge Burke went as usual, 
to prepare for the opening of the court, and took, 
what he thought, was his own robe, but it probably 
was from a clothes pin, adjoining to that on which his 
was suspended. He went with it under his arm, up to 
his bench, and found some difficulty in adjusting his 
supposed robe of office. Taking a second look, he ex- 
claimed, " Before God ! I have got into Miss VanBhyn's 
petticoat," and exhibited his arms extended through 
the two pocket holes."^' 

Judge Burke never married, but kept bachelor's 
hall. He was fond of society, and for his pleasantries, 
his anecdotes and his worth, was an invited guest at 
most of the dinner and supper parties of his acquaintan- 
ces. Of course, he generally attended them, and when 
not otherwise engaged, had parties of gentlemen at his 
own house. On one of these occasions, he had invited 
his guests, and never thought any more about it, until 
his friends assembled to partake of his dinner. He 
made a good humored apology for his neglect, but in- 
sisted that they should remain and partake of bache- 
lor's fare. Having given his orders, he returned and 
entertained his company with so great a flow of plea- 
santries, that they were not sensible of the intervening 
time, until dinner was announced. They all retired 

* Once, when spending an evening at the house of a friend, he was 
engaged in conversation with the husband, while his lady sat pretty 
near, on the other side of the judge. It was at that time the fashion for 
ladies to wear long trains to their gowns. The judge observing some- 
thincr on the carpet near his feet, concluded that it was his own hand- 
kerchief, took it up and thrust it into his pocket. The lady had occa- 
sion to move her seat shortly after, and exhibited an unexpected and 
embarrassing attachment betv^een herself and the judge. 



436 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

late from one of the most pleasant dinner parties tliat , 
ever they had been at. 

These convivial parties, becoming more and more 
frequent, were soon accompanied by longer and deep- 
er potations. These, also, after a while, became habit- 
ual, and the consequence of such habits undermined 
the health of both body and mind. Dr. Irvine told 
me that dropsy ensued, for which the judge was tapped; 
and while the water was flowing from him into a 
bucket, the judge cooly observed, " I wonder where all 
that water can come from, as I am sure that I never 
drank as much since I arrived at years of discretion^ 
On being assured by one of his friends, that he would 
be better after this, the judge calmly shook his head, 
and replied, nothing ia my house is ever better after 
being tappedr 

By his will, he bequeathed the i-esidue of his estate 
to the Hil)ernian Society, in trust for the emigrants 
from Ireland, who, in their opinion might need pecu- 
niary assistance ; the interest only to be thus expend- 
ed. This fund was originally about $10,000, and had 
increased to about $16,000, although the interest had 
been liberally bestowed on the needy Irish. About 
half of this amount was unfortunately funded in stock 
of the United States Bank, which at the time of pur- 
chase was worthy of all confidence ; its failure has re- 
duced the original amount a little, but not a dollar has 
on that account, been lost to those for whom it was in- 
tended. When the members of that society were 
erecting their splendid hall, their other funds were all 
expended on the building, but the whole of the trust 
fund was held sacred and untouched, and is still aftbrd- 
ing much relief to the Irish emigrants. 

When Judge Burke was known to be approaching 
his end, his friend O'Brian Smith wrote to him, saying, 
that as he was always fond of retirement in the coun- 
try, if he agreed to it, his body should be brought up 
to his place, in St. Andrew's Parish, and buried under 
one of his fine live oak trees. The judge wrote in an- 
swer, that he accepted his invitation and offer to ac- 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 437 

rompany him to liis house. Accordingly, when death 
ensued, the funeral service was read in St. Michael's 
Church, in February, 1802, by the Rev. Edward Jen- 
kins, and the body conveyed up to Dungannon, the 
then residence of O'Brian Smith, Esq., and thence taken 
up to the neighboring Episcopal Church, near Jackson- 
borough, where he and the body of O'Brian Smith were 
buried side by side.. 

[Extract from a daily pajjer.^ 

Died, on Tuesday, the 30th day of March, 1802, in the 59th year of 
his age, Edanus Burke, one of the Chancellors of the State. 



FROM THE MAGNOLIA, JANUARY, 1843. 

Joseph McJunkin, of Union District, was born near 
Carlisle, Pennsylvania, on the 22dof June, 1755. His 
father, Samuel McJunkin, soon after his birth, removed 
to South-Carolina, and settled on Tinker's creek, in 
Union. Joseph was in his 21st year, at the commence- 
ment of hostilities, in his adopted State, and being 
greatly excited, he had a dream which made a strong 
and favorable impression on his mind. Of this occur- 
rence, the old gentleman remarked, " I am no believer 
in dreams, generally, yet this seems to me, came fully 
to pass, in the American revolution;" and, no doubt, 
his mind being possessed with the idea, that God had 
thus sealed instructions to him, was better prepared to 
encounter the privations and trials of that period. 
Young McJunkin attended the committee sent by the 
State authorities, to the upper districts, for the purpose 
of explaining the propriety and necessity of opposing 
the unconstitutional pi-oceedings of the royal govern- 
ment. He went with the Kev. William Tenant, Rev. 
Oliver Hart, and W.m Henry Drayton, Esq., through 
Laurens, Union and Spartanburgh, and returned en- 



438 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OP 

lightened and convinced, like most of their hearers, by 
the forcible arguments and appeals, made to their pa- 
triotism. Still, there was a strong party of royalists, 
headed by Colonel Fletchall, the Cunninghams, and 
others, opposed to revolutionary measures. McJunkin 
volunteered under Colonel John Thompson, of Fair 
Forest, to serve in the Snow Camp expedition, com- 
manded by General Kichardson, against the tory insur- 
gents, in which their commander. Colonel Fletchall, 
was taken prisoner,* and the whole party captured or 
• dispersed. 

In June, 1776, directly after the attack on Sullivan's 
Island, the Cherokees commenced the work of death, 
with their allies, the tories. In July, General Andrew 
Williamson marched against them. McJunkin joined 
in it, under Caj^tain Joseph Jolly, in Colonel Thomas' 
regiment. They met the first Indians, as low down in 
Greenville, as Parris' mountain, and pursued them to 
their town, on Semica and Tugaloe rivers. Many skir- 
mishes ensued, and the Indians, being pressed hard in 
their retreat, began to kill their prisoners, Ijeginning 
with the old and infirm. 

The subsequent occurrences in this expedition, 
are sufiiciently known in history, and the termination 
sufiiciently honorable in itself, was much more so from 
various circumstances. It was the first Indian war 
successfully carried on, without the aid of Great Britain. 
This was successful in a greater degree than any other 
had been, although Great Britain now aided her Indian 
allies against her late colony — and this the first of tliat 
infant State's warfare in the field, followed immediate- 
ly after her victory over the British army and navy, 
at Sullivan's Island. McJunkin was among the fore- 
most in all detached expeditions of this Indian war. 

* Some accounts state that he was found secreted in a cave ; McJun- 
kin says that " he was found, with two of his Captains, secreted in a 
hollow sycamore tree, on his own plantation." Headers must decide 
between the living witness and the historian : he may have occupied 
both at difterent times. 



THE A3IER1CAN REVOLUTION. 439 

In May, 1T7T, McJunkin received a Captain's commis- 
sion, in Colonel Thomas' regiment, and took command of 
Fort Jamieson, on Soutli Pacolet. Here lie remained 
three months, in all the difficult duties of scouting 
against the enemy's parties, counteracting their move- 
ments, cutting off their supplies and detachments, and 
giving notice of danger to his superior officers, when 
any was discovered. He next served at Woods, or 
Thompson's station; and then in Charleston, from 
which he was fortunately recalled, in February, 1780, 
just before the siege. 

After the fall of Charleston, it was necessary for the 
whigs to secure the means of future resistance. The 
powder and ball, which had been supplied to Colonel 
Brandon's regiment, in which McJunkin was captain, 
were secreted by him and the other officers, in hollow 
logs and trees, in unsuspected thickets of the woods, 
and served a good turn at Blackstocks, Rocky Mount 
and other hard fought actions. After concealing the 
ammunition, the whigs of Union met those of Spartan- 
burgh and the neighboring districts, at a meeting-house, 
on Bullock's creek, of which the Rev. Dr. Alexander, 
was pastor. It was a time to make the most sanguine 
despond — they had no leader, no support from govern- 
ment, and no army in the field, to which they might 
retreat or advance, for mutual support. Colonel J. 
Thomas, Jun., addressed his brothers in arms and in 
misfortunes, counselled and advised with them, conclud- 
ing with the exclamation of Patrick Henry — " give me 
liberty, or give me death !" McJunkin followed in 
support of Colonel Thomas' opinion, and concluded by 
calling for all who determined to continue their resist- 
ance to Great Britain, to throw up their hats and clap 
their hands. In an instant, every hat was thrown up, 
and the air resounded with the unanimous clapping of 
hands. In their circumstances, no sublimer spectacle 
can be conceived, than this their resolve in the cause 
of liberty. The few, the naked, the unarmed, the 
weak, were opposed to the many, the clothed, the armed, 
the strong, the victorious and well disciplined. 



440 TRADITIONS AND REMIlSriSCENCES OF 

A rendezvous was appointed on tlie east side of 
Catawba river, in North-Carolina, wliere tliey embo- 
died nnder Colonel Sumter, who determined to lose no 
chance of attacking the enemy. They first encountered 
every kind of want, in their movements towards South- 
Carolina, partly begging their food and forage. In the 
Catawba nation, they named their encampment Poor 
Hill^ from the scarcity of food. The half-famished sol- 
diers put their scanty portions of Barley meal into a 
crock, and covered it with hot ashes and coals until 
sufficiently baked ; it was then thought delicious, al- 
though unaided by salt, butter, lard, bacon, beef or 
other nourishment; judge, then, of their appetites, 
sharpened by fatigue and hunger. From this post, 
Sumter detached Colonel Bratton, for the defeat of 
Houk. This supplied his men with many necessaries ; 
the battles of Rocky Mount and of Hanging Rock, soon 
followed ; and at each they obtained arms, ammunition, 
clothing, horses, and recruits. Bullets were particular- 
ly needed ; and the good \\ omen, Avith characteristic 
patriotism, gave up their pewter spoons, plates, basins, 
and pint-mugs, to be made into bullets." Colonel 
Williams of Laurens, now joined Sumter, and under 
him, McJunkin was detached against Colonel Jones, in 
command of three hundred men, at Musgrove's mill, 
where Williams attacked and defeated him with an in- 
ferior force. After this, Williams followed Fei^guson 
in his advance towards King's Mountain. McJunkin 
was also engaged in the battle of Cedar Springs, where 
Major Dunlap was defeated, also under Colonel Wash- 
ington, defeating the tories at Hammond's store.f Also 

* The paternal residence of McJunkin, was assailed by a party of 
tories, under Colonel Moore, of North-Carolina. They sti'ipped the 
house of every thing movable ; but Jane McJ., sister of the Major, 
seized a bed-quilt in the hands of Bill Ilaynesworth, and after a hard 
contest, Hayuesworth fell, but still held on. The sturdy damsel then 
put her foot (a solid understanding,) on the breast of the tory, and 
bore off the quilt. The British party applauded as -well as the Ameri- 
cans. 

f Returaing from this expedition, they heard that Tarleton was 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLtTTION. 441 

in the battle of Cowpens, as a volunteer sharp-shooter, 
and engaged in many personal conflicts. He was 
wounded, made prisoner, sentenced to be hung, and 
on the point of being hung, w^hen the executioners w^ere 
alarmed at the approach of a party of whigs ; he was 
then sent a prisoner to Ninety Six, and after a second 
trial, for his life, was suffered to depart on parole.* 

On being exchanged, although crippled in his sword 
arm, he scouted for the army, and did all for them 
that he was able, until the peace of 1788. He married 
a daughter of the heroic Mrs. Thomas, and has a large 
family, but is poor. His pension from government is 
his only support, now in his 89th year. He was many 
years a Justice of the Peace, and always respected as a 
pious, exemplary citizen. 



Lieutenant-Colonel Francis H. Harris was a native 
of Georgia, his father, Francis Harris, being among 
the first settlers of that Province ; and, in partnership 
with James Habersham, they were the joint proprie- 
tors of the first store opened in it. He was in Eng- 
land, for the advantages of education, when the revo- 
lution broke out, but could no longer pursue his stu- 
dies ; his ardent feelings of patriotism induced him to 
quit his books, and take up arms in behalf of his 
native country. In 1776, the first continental regi- 
ment was raised in Georgia, and in it Harris was en- 

advanciug to attack Morgan, by crossing the river above him, and has- 
tened to give the information, which induced Morgan to move his po- 
sition higher up the country, one day's march. This is confirmed by 
the notes of James Simons, who commanded the company on that oc- 
casion. 

* He was tried for having killed a tory, in action, and had no wit- 
nesses to appear for him. All the witnesses agreed that the man was 
killed by a sword, and McJunkin, showing the shattered state of his 
right arm, contended that it was impossible tor him to use his sword in 
that condition. His plea was admitted, but he now acknowledges the 
truth of the charge, saying, that his sword was hitched to the wrist of 
his right hand, and when that fell powerless, he took the sword into his 
left hand, and gave the fellow, unexpectedly, a back-handed clip. 



442 TEADlTIONS ATSTD EEMINISCENCES OF 

rolled a captain when but twenty-one years of age. 
Among his associates, were General Elbert, Colonel 
Joseph Habersham — afterwards postmaster-general — • 
Colonel Stirk, Major Berrien — father of the judge — ■ 
George Mcintosh, and many others who acquired dis- 
tinction. In a very short time, Harris was promoted 
to the command of a regiment, and marched at the 
head of it to the relief of Charleston, when beseiged 
by General Provost ; and to effect his object, had 
marched forty miles a day, for four days successively. 
He w^as, unfortunately, at Briar Creek, when General 
Ashe, of North-Carolina, was surprised and totally 
routed. Colonel Harris and Colonel Elbert, with sixty 
or seventy of the Georgia continentals, made a gallant 
stand, and fought until they were nearly cut to pieces. 
After the fall of Savannah, Colonel Harris retired 
to South-Carolina, and was there engaged in all the 
active warfare of the South. He fought bravely at 
Camden, Eutaw and other places, and died in 1782, of 
a wound received two or three years before in a duel. 
He was buried at the High Hills of Santee, but his 
relatives have not been able to discover his grave. 
He kept a journal or memorandum book, headed, 
" Dutiful to church and State of Georgia." Among 
his expenses recorded, it is curious to observe the fol- 
lowing, paid, in depreciated continental money, for 
one dozen knives and forks, <£6, about $26 ; for a pair 
of pumps, £11 10s. — $75 ; for a pair of gloves, £21 
10s. — $118; bacon, at $6 per pound; corn, $20 per 
bushel ; for one shirt, $150. Garden tells us that 
General Huger had but one, and put himself to bed 
that this might be washed. 

Anthony Hampton, the father of General Wade 
Hampton, was among the first emigrants from Virgi- 
nia to the up])er part of South-Carolina. Pie settled 
with liis family on Tiger river, in Spartanburg. At 
the commencement of the revolution, it was of the 
utmost importance to the frontier inhabitants, that the 



THE AMEEICAN EEVOLUTlON* 443 

Cherokee lucliaus slionld be conciliated and kept in 
peace. To effect this object, Edward, Henry and 
Richard Hampton — sons of Anthony— were sent by 
their neighbors to invite the nation to a " talk," at any 
convenient town that they might propose. But the 
British emissaries had been before them, and had 
already induced the Cherokees to make an inroad into 
the upper part of the State. This took place in July, 
1776, and, after destroying several families, they 
attacked the family of Mr. Hampton, killed him, his 
wife, his son Preston, his infant grandson Harrison, 
burnt his house, and carried off a boy, named John 
Bynum. Mrs. Harrison — his daughter — atid her hus- 
band were absent at a neighbor's, but returned in the 
midst of the conflagration, and were also in great 
danger. Edward, Henry and Wade — his other sons — • 
were also absent, and thus preserved to avenge the 
deed. His son-in-law, James Harrison, also joined 
zealously and bravely with his neighbors, after provi- 
ding for the safety of his family, and was in most of 
the hard-fou2:ht battles. 

Captain Henry Hampton behaved nobly under Gene- 
ral Williamson, in his second battle against the Chero- 
kee Indians, He ordered his company to fire in pla- 
toons, and then fall on the gi'ound to re-load, while 
the rest advanced in their smoke. He thus lecl them 
to the charge, advancing in the smoke, then firing and 
re-loading on their backs. When he came near enough, 
he charged bayonet, and the enemy fled. He himself 
captured an Indian, wearing the coat of his brother 
Preston, who had no doubt been murdered by this 
man, when they destroyed his father's family. 

Edward Hampton was also engaged in this battle, 
and afterit, when the Indians were closely ]3ursued, 
they began first to kill their prisoners, and then their 
own aged and wounded friends. Following close on 
the Indian trail, Edward Hampton came to the body 
of a white woman, recently murdered by them, and 
left shockingly exposed. He alighted, in the hurry of 
the moment, covered the body with his own shirt — the 



444 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

only one he had — drew it under a bush, and resumed 
the pursuit. He was afterwards killed hy the tories, 
in the year 1781, when, in their bloody scout, they 
assumed the distinguishing badge of the whigs, and 
went from house to house, destroying and ])urning 
every thing habitable, and killing whole families. 

General Wade Hampton distinguished himself on 
man}^ occasions by the bravery and energy of his char- 
acter, and his acuteness in partizan warfare. Colonel 
Thomas Taylor, of Columbia, told us that Wade Hamp- 
ton was once taken prisoner, and they were sending 
him down to the prison-ship, under an officer and file 
of men, but did not confine his hands or feet. When 
the party stopped for refreshment, he was made to 
stand in one corner of a room ; the arms were leaned 
In the opposite corner, diagonally ; and the guard sat 
down between them, in the middle of the room. 
Hampton shuffled a little from his corner, sometimes 
to the right, and then to the left ; at last he made a 
spring, seized the arms, and made his guard his pri- 
soners. He then paroled them, armed and mounted 
himself, and rode oft*. 



CAPTAIN JAMES DOHARTY. 

The southern part of South-Carolina had also many 
records of vindictive murders, committed in the name 
of patriotism, and, at the time, supposed by their 
deluded perpetrators to be justifiable. 

Captain James Doharty took command of Fort 
Lyttleton, near Beaufort, with fifty men, in March, 
1779, and held the rank of captain in the partisan 
army of South-Carolina. When Colonel Harden re- 
tired to the interior and joined Marion, Doharty suc- 
ceeded to the command of his division, and kept up 
the discipline and active scouting which Harden had 
instituted and instructed his men to pursue. Doharty 
was a bold and energetic officer, and, in the continued 
warfare which was carried on between the whigs and 



THE AlVJERIOAN REVOLUTION. 445 

tories, proved a trusty leader to liis friends, and an 
object for vengeance with Lis enemies. 

In one of his excursions, he attacked a British gal- 
ley, anchored in Savannah river. His well-directed 
fire killed several, and cleared the decks, but he had 
no boats, or any means of cutting the cable, and warp- 
ing her on shore. On the retreat of his party, the 
British fired their cannon with grape shot into the 
woods, but without injury. When the men had retired 
far enough, they were halted and seated on a tree to 
rest. A random shot from the galley now struck a 
sapling close to them, cut it off and struck one of the 
men on his body, but being spent, it fell harmless at 
his feet. 

Richard Pendarvis, who lived about twelve miles 
off from Doharty's, was a thorough tory, and the most 
bitter and deadly hatred arose between them, who 
had hitherto lived as neighbors and friends. Threats 
and messages of defiance had passed between them, 
and at last came to issue. Doharty lived on Bear 
Island, in the rear of Pinckney's, and it was always 
accessible on horseback. While here, Doharty re- 
ceived information from a widow lady, that Pendarvis, 
with a part}^ of tories, would attack him that night. 
His three nephews, John and William Leacroft, and 
the late Colonel Talbird being with him, they, in con- 
sultation, determined to lay in ambush, and await the 
coming of their enemies. But they delayed the move- 
ment too long. When leaving the house for that pur- 
pose, as Doliarty stepped into the yard, he was hailed 
and asked, " are you Captain Doharty ?" Instead of 
answering promptly, he turned to his nephews, and 
told them, " fly, we are too late." He then answered, 
that he was Doharty, and was immediately shot down, 
but not killed ; he held his gun in his hand, and asked 
his enemies to come and shake hands with him before 
he died, hoping to retaliate on some of them ; but 
they knew better. There being a fire in the yard, 
they saw where he lay, fired a second volley and killed 
him. They then entered the house, seized William 



446 TRADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

Leacroft, a lad, about fourteen years of age, and tied 
a cord round liis neck, to make liim tell where the 
other two nephews might be found. After repeatedly 
suspending him, until half dead, and being ahvays 
answered, that if he knew he would not tell, they 
admired his firmness, and desisted. The body of Cap- 
tain Doharty was buried by his friends at " Whale 
Branch," on Port Eoyal Island, and Pendarvis pre- 
pared to move away to St. Augustine ; but, almost at 
the moment of embarkation, he and his associate, Pat- 
terson, were both killed by John Leacroft, the nephew 
of Doharty. After the peace, Leacroft retired to his 
plantation, on Hilton Head, and lived many years, but 
left no family. 

Captain Thomas Young, still living in 1847, was as 
brave a soldier as ever drew the sword in the holy 
cause of freedom. We will present his annals in his 
own words : 

" I was born in Laurens District, South-Carolina, on 
the 17th June, 1764. My father, Thomas Young, soon 
after removed to Union District, where I have lived to 
this day. In the spring of 1780, I think in April, 
Colonel Brandon was encamped with a party of seventy 
or eighty whigs, about five miles from Union Courf 
House, where Christopher Young now lives. Their 
object was to collect forces for the approaching cam- 
paign, and to keep a check upon the tories. They 
had taken prisoner, one Adam Steedham, as vile a 
tory as ever lived. By some means, Steedham escaped 
during the night, and notified the tories of Brandon's 
position. The whigs were attacked by a large l)ody 
of the enemy before day, and completedly routed. On 
that occasion, my brother, John Young, Avas murdered. 
I shall never forget my feelings, when told of his death. 
I do not believe I had ever used an oath before that 
day, but then I tore open my bosom, and swoj-e that I 
Avould never rest until I had avenged his death. Sub- 
sequently, many tories felt the weight of my arm, and 
around Steedham's neck I fixstened the rope, as a re- 



THE AMEKICAN EEVOLUTION. 44T 

ward for his cruelties. On the next clay, I left home 
in my shirt sleeves, and joined Brandon's party. Chr. 
Brandon and I joined at the same time, and the first 
engagement we were in was at Stallions', in York 
District. 

We had been told of a party of tories, then sta- 
tioned at Stallions' ; a detachment of about fifty whigs, 
under Colonel Brandon, moved to attack them. Before 
we arrived at the house in which they were fortified, 
we were divided into two parties ; Captain Love, with 
a party of sixteen, of whom I was one, marched to 
attack the front, while Colonel Brandon, with the re- 
mainder, made a circuit to intercej)t those who should 
attempt to escape, and also to attack the rear. Mrs. 
Stallions was a sister of Captain Love, and, on the 
approach of her brothei', she ran out and begged him 
not to fire upon the house. She ran back to the house, 
and sprang upon the door step, which was pretty high. 
At this moment, the house was attacked, in the rear, 
by Colonel Brandon's party, and Mrs. Stallions was 
killed by a ball shot at random through the opposite 
door. At the same moment with Brandon's attack, 
our party raised a shout and rushed forward. We 
fired several rounds, which were briskly returned. It 
was not long, however, before the tories ran up a flag, 
first upon the end of a gun ; but, as that did not look 
exactly peaceful, a ball was put through the fellow's 
arm, and, in a few minutes, the flag was raised on a 
ramrod, when we ceased firing. While we were fight- 
ing, a man was seen running through an open field, 
near us. I raised my gun to shoot him, when some of 
our party exclaimed, " don't shoot, he is one of our 
own men." I drew down my gun, and in a moment 
he halted, wheeled round, and fired at us. Old Squire 
Kennedy, who was an excellent marksman, raised 
his rifle and brought him down. We had but one 
wounded, William Kennedy, who was shot by my 
side, through the wrist and thigh. The loss of the 
tories was two killed, four wounded, and twenty-eight 
prisoners, whom we sent to Charlotte, North-Carolina. 



448 TEADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

After the fight, Love and Stallions met and shed bitter 
tears. Stallions was dismissed, on parole, to bury his 
wife and arrange his affairs. 

The next engagement I was in, was at King's Moun- 
tain, South-Carolina, on the 7th October, 1780, (the 
particulars of which are sufficiently detailed in his- 
tory.)* When our division came up to the northern 
base of the mountain, we dismounted, and Colonel 
Koebuck drew us a little to the left, and commenced 
the attack. Ben Hollingsworth and myself took right 
up the side of the mountain, and fought, from tree to 
tree, our way to the summit. I recollect I stood be- 
hind one tree and fired, until the bark was nearly all 
knocked off, and my eyes pretty well filled with it. 
One fellow shaved me pretty close, for his bullet took 
a piece out of my gun-stock. Before I was aware of 
it, I found myself apparently between my own regi- 
ment and the enemy, as I judged, from seeing the 
paper which the whigs wore in their hats, and the 
pine knots the tories wore in theirs, these being the 
badges of distinction. On the top of the mountain, 
in the thickest of the fight, I saw Colonel Williams 
fall, and a braver and a better man never died upon a 
battle-field. I ran to his assistance, 'for I loved him as 
a father ; he had ever been so kind to me, and almost 
always carried a cake in his pocket for me and his lit- 
tle son, Joseph. They carried him into a tent, and 
sprinkled some water into his face. He revived, and 
his first words were, " For God's sake, boys, don't give 
up the hill !" He died the next day, and was buried 
not far from the field of his glory. Daniel and Joseph 
Williams, his sons, were both massacred by the tories 
at Hays' Station, where Daniel first threw his father's 
pistols into the burning house, rather than they should 
go into the hands of the tories. 
y^ The next engagement I was in was at Hammond's 
store, on Bush river, somewhere near Ninety-Six. 
Colonel Wasliington commanded us, with about seventy 

* He was then but sixteen years old. 



THE AMEEICAN REVOLUTION. 449 

dragoons. When we came in sight, we perceived that 
the tories had formed in line on the brow of the hill 
opposite to us. We had a long hill to descend, and 
another to rise. Washington and his dragoons drew 
their swords, gave a shout, and charged down the hill 
like madmen. The tories fled in every direction, with- 
out firing a gun. We then retuuied to Morgan's en- 
campment, at Grindall's Shoal, on the Pacolet. Having 
received intelligence that Colonel Tarleton designed to 
cross at Easterwood Shoal above him. General Morgan 
broke up his encampment early in the morning of the 
16th, and retreated up the main road.* We arrived 
at the field of the Cowpens about sunset, and were 
then told that there we should meet the enemy. Mor- 
gan knew well the power of Tarleton's legion. Two 
companies of mounted volunteers were there called 
for ; one was raised by Major Jjlly, of Union District, 
and the other, I think, by Major McCall. I attached 
myself to Major Jolly's company, and we were in- 
formed that we had authority to press any horse, not 
belonging to a dragoon or an officer, into our service, 
for the next day. 

It was upon this occasion I was more perfectly con- 
vinced of General Morgan's qualifications to command 
militia, than I had ever before been. He went among 
the volunteers, helped them to fix their swords, joked 
with them about their sweethearts, told them to keep 
in good spirits, and the day would be ours. And long 
after I laid down, he was going about among the sol- 
diers, encouraging them, and telling them that the old 
wagoner (Morgan) would crack his whip over Ben 
(Tarleton) in the morning, as sure as they lived. " Just 
hold up your heads, boys, give them three fires, and 
you will be free. And then, when you return to your 
homes, how the old folks will bless you, and the girls 

* This is very important iiiforraation as to the cause of Morgan's 
retrograde movement ; it proves his judgment, and removes the im- 
plied censure by Lee, that he was wavering or imdecided. It is fully 
confirmed by Major McJunkin, with minutiae that could only be related 
by an eye-witness. — (See Magnolia, of January, 1843, p. 38.) 
29 



450 TRADITIONS AND PvEMINISCENCES OF 

will kiss yon for your gallant conduct .*" About sun- 
rise the British advanced at a sort of trot, with a loud 
halloo ; it was the most beautiful line I ever saw. 
When they shouted, I heard Morgan say, " They give 
us the British halloo, boys — give them the Indian 
whoop ;" and he galloped along the lines, cheering the 
men, and telling them not to fire until they could see 
the whites of their eyes. The militia iired first, they 
being in advance. At first, it was pop, pop, pop, and 
then a whole volley ; but when the regulars fired, it 
seemed like (^ne sheet of flame from right to left ! Oh ! 
it was beautiful ! I heard old Colonel Fair say that 
John Savage fired the first gun in this battle. 

After the second forming of the militia, the fight 

* Analogous to this admirable encouraG:oment from (Tcneral Morgan, 
is the following Dutch sermon, delivered before a company of volun- 
teers, during our revolution, upon their going forth to battle : 

Mine frients : 

Ven virst you corned here from Shar,many, you were boor 
and dirty, as you had a right to be, and as your fathers were before you ; 
you were porn so. It was no disgrace to be so in Sharmany, for there 
the landlorts had a right to take all that you could 'earn. But in dis 
country you are the landlorts ; and when the English king gave you 
land, he bromised that nopody should take away your monies but your 
own selves. Now he wants to cheat you, and to take away your bro- 
perty, like yovu- landlorts aforetime in Sharmany. And he has sent 
over his red-goat soldiers to shoot you, and to take away your houses 
and parns, and your wives and yo\w sweethearts. If you submit to it, 
they will kick you and despise you, and so will the bretty gals ; they 
will laugh at you, and say goot, you deserve it all, pecause you would 
not faight for your own. Put a man is a man, if he is no pigger :is 
my tumb. You have on your new uniform coats, and some of tern fits 
you like a shirt fits a pole ; put never mind dem, or their big guns ; 
your guns can kill as well as deirs, and better, as you faight for your- 
selves, and they for their landlorts, that tliey do not care about. Ven 
Tavid vent out to faight mit (xoliah, he took only a sling and a stone ; 
put it vas not a gin sling or a mint sling, or you would all want to take 
one also. It was a sling, like a good hickory stick, vat can kill a man, 
if like Tavid you faight bravely. So, if you faight bravely, the Lord 
will strengthen your arms, as he did Tavid's, and y(ni will take good 
aim like 'iavid, and your pullets, by liis hel]), can kill the British as 
Tavid did Ooliah. And den all the pretty gals will come and sing for 
you, and let you kiss dem, and all dat, as dey did for Tavid, ven he kilt 
Goliah, 



THE AjVIEEICAN REVOLUTION. 451 

heeame general and nnintermitting. In tlie hottest of 
it, I saw Colonel Brandon coming at full speed to the 
rear, and waving his sword to Colonel Washington. 
In a moment, the order to charge was given. We 
made a most furious charge, and, cutting through the 
British cavalry, we wheeled and charged them in the 
rear. In this charge, I exchanged my tackey for the 
finest horse I ever rode ; it was the quickest swap I 
ever made in my life. At this moment, the bugle 
sounded ; we made a half circuit at full speed, and 
came upon the rear of the British line, shouting and 
charging like madmen. At the same monent, Colonel 
Howard gave the order, " charge hayonet," and the 
day was ours — the British line broke — many of them 
laid down their arms and surrendered, while the rest 
took to the wagon road, and did their prettiest sort. of 
running away. v 

After this. Major Jolly and seven or eight of us 
resolved on an excursion to capture some of the bag- 
gage. We went about twelve miles, and captured two 
British soldiers, two negroes, and tvv^o horses laden 
with portmanteaus. One of the portmanteaus belong- 
ed to a paymaster in the British service, and contained 
gold. I rode along some miles with my prisoners and 
baggage towards our camp, when I met a party which 
I soon discovered to be British. I attempted to fly, 
but, my horse being stiff by the severe exercise I had 
given him, they overtook me. My pistol was empty, 
so I drew my sword and made battle ; I never fought 
so hard in my life. In a few minuted, one finger on 
my left hand was split ; then I received a cut on my 
sword arm. In the next instant a cut from a sabre 
across my forehead (the scar of which I shall carry to 
my grave) ; the skin slipped down over my eyes, and 
the blood blinded me. Then came a thrust in the 
right shoulder blade, then a cut upon the left shoulder, 
and a last cut, which you may feel for yourself on the 
back of my head, and I fell upon mj horse's neck. 
They took me down, bound up my wounds, and re- 
placed me on my horse, a prisoner of war. When my 



452 TRADITIONS AND REIMINISCENCES OF 

captors joined tlieir party in the main road, one of the 
tories, who knew me, swore he wouhl kill me, and 
cocked his gun. In a moment, about twenty British 
soldiers drew their swords, cursed him for a coward, 
wishing to kill a boy, without arms and a prisoner, 
and ran him off. 

Colonel Tarleton sent for me, and I rode several 
miles by his side. He was a fine-looking man, with 
rather a proud bearing, but very gentlemanly in his 
manners. He asked me a great many questions, and 
I told him one lie which I have often thought of since. 
In reply to his query, whether Morgan was reinforced 
before the battle, I told him, " he was not, but that he 
expected a reinforcement every minute." He asked 
me how many dragoons Washington had ? I told him, 
" he had seventy, and two volunteer companies of 
mounted militia ; but, you know, they won't fight !" 
He quickly replied, " but they did to-day though !" 
We got to Hamilton's ford, on Broad river, about 
dark; the river was said to be swimming, and just 
then they were told that Washington was close behind. 
During the confusion which ensued, a young Virginian, 
named Deshaser — also a prisoner — and myself, man- 
aged to make our escape ; but I had a violent fever 
eight or ten days after it. Thanks to the kind nursing 
and attention of old Mrs. Brandon, I recovered. The 
little pacing tackey, on which the British had mounted 
me, would not do for a trooper. One day, after my 
recovery, I met old Mrs. Willard riding a fine sorrel 
horse, and told" her that Ave must swap. The exchange 
was made, not much to the old woman's satisfaction, 
for she did not like the whigs ; and I don't l^elieve the 
Willards have forgiven me for that horse-swap to this 
day. 

Soon after this, I joined a detachment of whigs, 
under Colonel* Brandon, and scouted through the coun- 
try until we reached the siege of Fort Motte. There 
I remained several days, when we joined a detachment, 
under Colonel Hampton, to take Orangeburg. The 
State troops out-marched us, for we had a piece of 



THE AMERICAN RliVOLUTlOisr. 453 

artillery to manage ; we arrived tlie morning after 
tliem. As soon as the field-piece was brought to bear 
upon the house, a bi-each tvas made through the gable 
end— then another lower down — then about the cen- 
tre, and they surrendered. I then joined a party of 
dragoons, under Captain Boykin, and went down to 
Bacon's bridge to capture some British horses. We 
took three very line ones, and then two others. I 
then went to the siege of Ninety-Six. Old Squire 
Kennedy, an excellent marksman, thought that we 
could pick off a man now and then, as they went to 
the spring. We both shot a man, and then made off, 
for fear it should be our turn next. After this siege, 
I returned to my old neighborhood, and was engaged 
in various expeditions of danger, without proUt or 
honor. In one skirmish, I witnessed an amusing scene 
between Colonel Hughes and a tory. Hughes had 
dismounted, to get a chance of shooting at some fellow 
through the bushes, when a tory sprang upon his 
horse, and dashed awa}^ Hughes discovered it in 
time, fired, and put a ball through the hind tree of the 
saddle and the fellow's thigh. The tory fell, and 
Hughes got Ms horse. In this excursion, we got a 
great deal of plunder which had been concealed by 
the tories 

Once after this, I was taken by a party of " Outliers," 
(a name given to the Greys,) the most notorious and 
abandoned plunderers and murderers of that gloomy 
period. On account of the kindness I had once shown 
to one of them, while a prisoner in my charge, I was 
set at liberty without being hurt. 

One Captain Reed was at a neighbor's house, in 
York District, on a visit. The landlady saw two men 
approaching the house, whom she knew to be tories, 
and told Captain Reed that he had better escape, as 
they would kill him. He replied, no, they had been 
his neighbors ; he had known Love and Sadler all his 
life, and had nothing to fear from them. He walked 
out into the yard, offered them his hand, but they 
immediately killed him. His mother, a very old 



454 TRADrnoNs and kp:mini8CENCES of 

woman, came to where we were encamped, in Nortli-' 
Carolina, leaning upon the arms of two officers. She 
drew from her l)osora the bloody pocket-book of her 
son. Colonel Brandon stepped out, and asked if there 
were any here Avilliug to volunteer to avenge her 
wrongs. Twenty-five volunteered, of which I was one. 
The two murderers were killed, and nobody else hurt." 
After the peace, Major Thomas Young married, and 
settled in Union District, upon the spot where he now 
lives, and where he has brought up a large family. 
He is beloved by his neighbors for his kindness, and 
respected by all for the scars he received in the cause 
of liberty. 



\^Extract from Orion, vol. Hi., page218.^ 
MYER FRANKS. 

After killing Edward Hampton, the tories thought 
it prudent to leave a neighborhood in which they had 
committed so many murders. The next day Captain 
John Barry raised a company of militia, and started 
in pursuit of the " Bloody Scout,'' but did not over- 
take them. Whilst on the pursuit, in Laurens Dis- 
trict, they came to the house of an old tory, by the 
name of Franks, who had a very bountiful supply of 
bacon on hand. The whigs feeling quite hungry, and 
not having tasted food for twenty-four hours, thought 
there was no harm in quartering themselves, for a 
short time, in the smoke-house of an enemy. Conse- 
quently, they not only made free use, for the time 
being, of the old tory's bacon, but provided themselves 
with rations for several days. David Anderson acted 
as commissary on this occasion, and took the responsi- 
bility of judging how much would be a proper supply 
for the company. It is said that he pi'oved quite a 
liberal caterer, and that Franks' smoke-house required 
neither lock nor key after the whigs left it. This was 
in 1781. In 1783, peace was concluded, and the inde- 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. 455 

pendence of the country acknowledged. Some years 
afterwards, the people in the upper country, who had 
been long without law, found the Circuit Court re-estab- 
lished in Ninety-Six District. One of the first cases 
l)rought in this court was docketed by Myer Franks 
'VS. David Anderson — trespass. Many years had passed 
by, and many things forgotten in the revolution, but 
not the taking of Myer Franks' bacon. It dwelt in 
the memory of the old tory, lilve the elopement of his 
daughter and her jewels in the memory of Shylock. 
The emptiness of his smoke-house seemed ever after- 
wards to haunt his imagination, and it is likely, too, 
that he suffered a good deal in the Hesh the ensuing 
summer, for meat was an article which could not 
always be procured in those days. There were no 
Kentucky drovers then. 

Be this as it may, Myer Franks brought suit for his 
bacon, as soon as the luxury of the law was allowed 
him, by the establishment of the court at Ninety-Six. 
He thought it rather troublesome to bring suits against 
all who had helped to eat his bacon ; or may have 
been advised by his counsel to begin with the agent in 
the business. He, therefore, singled out Anderson, 
the commissary, as the object of his legal vengeance. 
The case was called, and a host of witnesses were in 
attendance, to prove the fact on the part of the plain- 
tiff, and the use to which the bacon had been appro^ 
priated by the defendant. After getting through the 
testimony, his honor, the presiding judge, ordered the 
case to be stricken from the docket, and left Mn 
Franks to brood over his not having "" saved his 
bacon," and to lament that the royalists had not con- 
quered the rebels. — JB. F, Perry. 



JORDAN MOUNTJOY. 



The parents of J. Mountjoy were tories of the deepest 
dye, and their house was a place of common rendez- 
vous for the "Bloody Scout," while in Spartanburg 



456 TKADITIOT^S AND REMINISCENCES OB' 

District, Jordan associated Avith none but sucli people, 
and seldom saw any of the wliigs, but liad some secret 
partiality for tliem. It is possible that his compassion 
and sympathy may have l)een excited by his hearing 
of their sufferings and slaughter. lie was but fourteen 
years of age, and was not excluded from the consulta- 
tions of the tories, and at one of these he became ac- 
quainted with a deep-laid scheme of the Bloody Scout 
to sui'pi'ise and capture a company of liberty men, un- 
der the command of Captain Thomas Farrow, of Lau- 
rens District. As soon as Jordan heard the arrange- 
ments, he mounted his horse and hastened to inform 
the whigs of their dangei*. Captain Farrow took ad- 
vantage of this timely warning, and surprised the to- 
ries by an attack on the same night. 

Jordan's agency in this matter was discovered by 
his parents and their tory friends. Their threats and 
enmity drove him over to the American side, and he 
soon became one of the most active, enterprising and 
daring partisans of whom the whigs could boast. He 
was always selected to reconnoitre and spy out the 
movements of the tories. In one of these expeditions, 
near his father's house, he met a company of tories un- 
der a noted leader, named Gray. With the speed of 
an arrow, he dashed by the tory captain, tired his pis- 
tol in his face, and made his escape. In the latter part 
of the revolution, young Mountjoy belonged to an 
American garrison, on the frontiers of Georgia. While 
there, he volunteered to go with a small detachment 
in pursuit of some Indians, who had been stealing 
horses in the neighljorhood. They were under the 
command of a lieutenant, who did not take the neces- 
sary precautions when in pursuit of Indians. The de- 
tachment was surprised, and all killed except Mountjoy 
and one other. Mountjoy did not leave the ground 
until he had fired his riile and both ])istols. He then 
escaped unhurt, but had several balls to pass through 
his coat and pantaloons. 

On another occasion, while in the same garrison, the 
Indians became so troublesome, that it was dangerous 



THE AMERICAK EEVOLUTlOS". 45 T 



to venture out from it. An old lady, wlio was there, 
had a horse which she could get no one to ride to water 
for her; after fruitless applications to several, she 
asked Mountjoy if he would be so obliging as to risk 
his life in ridiua: her horse to water. Without hesita- 
tion, the young man complied with the old lady's re- 
quest, took his pistols, mounted her horse, and rode to 
the creek. Whilst the horse was drinking, he discov- 
ered an Indian slipping from the bushes, between him 
and the fort, and seizing his bridle reins before he could 
wheel, with the quickness of thought Mountjoy drew 
a pistol, and lodged its contents in the bosom of his 
assailant. Such boldness, presence of mind, and self^ 
possession, under circumstances well calculated to try 
the nerve of any man, acquired for him a high charac-^ 
ter among his associates in arms. Many other incidents, 
similar to the above, might be related of this youthful 
hero of the revolution. He was still living a few years 
since, in Spartanburg, but had become infirm from his 
exposure and sufferings in the revolution, so unsuited 
to his early time of life» 



458 TEADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 



CHAPTER XIV. 



Tlie Hite Family — General Andrew Jackson — Joseph Kershaw — Major 
Pearce Butler — Mrs. Cruo;er in the siege of Cambridge — General 
Samuel Elbert — Colonel Leroy Hammond — Colonel James Williams 
— Captain James Ryan. 

Among the earliest settlers of Greenville District, 
was Mr. Hite, a gentleman of great respectability, and 
one of tlie first families in Virginia. He removed 
to Soutli-Carolina sevei'al years before tlie revolution, 
and settled with his family on Enoree river. The whole 
country was, at that time, in possession of the Cherokee 
Indians. Several purchases of lands had been made 
from them, and grants obtained for the same from the 
crown of Great Britain. A grant of this chai-acter had 
been obtained by Paris, for ten miles square, within 
its boundaries, embracing the beautiful site on which 
the village of Greenville now stands. Paris was an 
Englishman and a man of fortune, who took up his 
abode among the Indians, and acquired great influence 
among them. He brought with him his family, which 
consisted, with others, of two interesting and lovely 
daughters. Mr. Hite wished to cultivate a friendly in- 
tercourse with the Indians, and in this he succeeded 
until the breaking out of the revolution. When that 
happened, the Cherokees were induced by the presents 
and agents of England to take sides with the king 
against the country. To this course they were natu- 
rally inclined, from their love of war, and their jealousy 
of the continued encroachments of the whites. The 
feelings and principles of Mr. Hite led him to es- 
pouse the cause of his country, and learning that 
the Indians were about to take up arms, he thought 
that they might be induced to remain neutral. In 



THE AMERICAlSr REVOLUTION. 459 

order to try what influence lie could have with them, 
his son was despatched to their towns with presents 
and messages. This son was a young man of education, 
and had for several years been reading law, with a view 
to admission at the Charleston bar. He was personally 
intimate with many of the Indians and their chiefs, 
and was engaged to be married to one of Paris' 
daughters, who had been educated in the mother coun- 
try. This son, Jacob O'Bannon Hite, set out, alone, 
for the Cherokee towns, not apprehending the least 
danger, and conlident in his influence to keep them 
quiet and joeaceable in the coming struggle between 
Great Britain and her colonies. He had not proceed- 
ed far, when he unexpectedly met a war party, of 
several hundred Indians, marching against the white 
settlements. The die had been cast; the chiefs had de- 
termined in council to take up the tomahawk, and it 
is well known that in this case, nothing can alter or 
chansfe their determination. Youno; Hite was imme- 
diately killed, scalped and mangled. The place was on 
the waters of Estotoe, in Pickens District, at a narrow 
pass between two mountains. The spot is gloomy, and 
fit for such a melancholy tragedy. 

The Indians proceeded on their march, to the resi- 
dence of Paris, now the ^dllage of Greenville. They 
also told of the death of Hite, and were provoked at 
the distress of Paris' daughter, to whom he was en- 
gaged. • This young lady, finding that the Indians would 
next proceed against Mr. Hite's family, on the Enoree, 
with a spirit worthy of a heroine, resolved to save, if 
possible, the family of her unfortunate and plighted 
lover. She secretly left her father's house, and travel- 
led on foot, several miles, through a wilderness, to 
effect her object. She accomj^lished her journey in 
time to give the necessary warning, but she was not 
heeded, until it was too late. Most of them were killed; 
Mrs. Hite was carried off to their nation, and afterwards, 
we believe, murdered in their retreat. The few survi- 
vors i-etui'ued to Virginia. 



460 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES 01!* 



GENERAL ANDREW JACKSON. 

In passing through Anderson Distiict, some years 
Bince, I heard of Mrs. Stephenson, a venerable matron, 
who had been the youthful acquaintance of General 
Andrew Jackson, during the American revolution. I 
was induced by curiosity, as well as respect for the 
character of this estimable old lady, to visit one who 
had been the conn3anion of our illustrious ex-Pre-^ 
sident, in the days of his boyhood and obscurity. I. 
found Mrs. Stephenson all that she had been represent- 
ed — an intelligent, kind-hearted, and fine looking old 
matron, full of conversation and anecdotes of "the 
old war." She was born in the neighborhood of the 
Waxhaws, in Lancaster District, South-Carolina, and 
there grew up with the future " hero of New-Orleans." 
The mother of Andrew Jackson and her three sons 
were well known to Mrs. Stephenson. Andrew was 
the youngest, and about her own age. They were sent 
to the same school, and their parents lived very near 
each other. The father of General Jackson died before 
Mrs. Stephenson's recollection, and shortly after his 
settlement in South-Carolina; he and his wife were 
both from Ireland. At the commencement of the 
revolutionary struggle in South-Carolina, Andrew was 
going to a grammar-school, kept in the meeting-house 
of the Waxhaw neighborhood. As the contest grew 
warm, the school was discontinued, and the meeting- 
house burnt down. In the meantime, one of Andrew's 
brothers died, and the other entered the service of his 
country. During the war, this other brother died with 
the small pox. The Waxhaw neighborhood, at one 
period of the revolution, became the seat of war, and 
was laid almost entirely desolate and left without in- 
habitants. It was during this distressing period that 
Andrew himself, then a youth of fourteen or fifteen 
years old, joined the American army. The particulars 
of his services were unknown to Mrs. Stephenson. She 
understood, howevei", that he was taken prisoner by 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTIOlSr. 461 

tlie Britisli, and heard that lie had received a blow from 
an officer, with his sword, for not performing some me- 
nial office, during his imprisonment. There were two 
cousins of Andrew Jackson in the army with him. 
One of them was killed, and the other taken prisoner^ 
Whilst a prisoner of war in Charleston, his aunt, Mrs. 
Jackson, lost her life, in attempting to visit him. She 
fell a victim to the climate and to sorrow, and her ne- 
phew soon followed. This left Andrew Jackson with- 
out a relative on this side of the Atlantic — a boy, and 
almost a stranger in a new country. The little proper- 
ty which his family possessed, had been plundered and 
destroyed. When the country was restored to peace, 
he found himself destitute of home, relations, friends 
and money. Under these circumstances, he made the 
house of a Mr. White his home. White w^as the uncle of 
Mrs. Stephenson, and a saddler by trade. Andrew re- 
mained with him twelve or eighteen months, and during 
that time assisted him in working at his trade. What 
progress the future President of the United States 
made, in this humble, but respectable occupation, is 
not known. But the fact of his being thus engaged 
for that length of time, is well known to Mrs. Stephen- 
son. Becoming tired of the business of making saddles, 
and finding an opportunity of doing better, he left Mr. 
White, and ^eut to North-Carolina, where he after- 
w^ards commenced the study of law, and was admitted 
to the bar. 

The little circumstance narrated below, which is said 
to have occurred after the battle of the 8th of January, 
1815, strikingly characterizes General Jackson. It re- 
flects credit, not only on himself but on the country : 

"In the year 1824, our informant met, at the table 
of Sir George Airy, many distinguished Englishmen, 
then in Paris. The conversation turned upon the then 
pending Presidential election, and fears were expressed, 
that, should General Jackson be elected, the amicable 
relations between the two countries might be endan- 
gered, in consequence of his high-handed exercise of 
power, as evinced during his command at New-Orleans. 



462 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OP 

The necessity on the part of our informant, of replying 
to these observations, was superseded by the prompt 
and generous outbreak of one of the guests, Colonel 
Thornton, of the 8th, an officer well known for his 
gallant character, and whose regiment suffered severely 
in the attack of the 8th of January. He testified in 
the handsomest terms to the conduct of General Jack- 
son, as an amicable and faithful commander on that 
occasion, and declared that, had he not used the power 
confided to him in the high-handed way alluded to, New- 
Orleans would infallibl}^ have been captured. As to 
the charge of implacable hostility. Colonel T. declared, 
that in all the intercourse by flag and otherwise, be- 
tween the hostile commanders. General Jackson had 
been peculiarly courteous and humane, and proceeded 
to state, th-it, on the day after the battle, the British 
were permitted to bury their dead, lying beyond a cer- 
tain line, a hundred yards in advance of General Jack- 
son's entrenchments — all within that line being buried 
by the Americans themselves. As soon as the melan- 
choly duty was performed, the British general was 
surprised at receiving a flag, with the sword, epaulettes 
and watches of the officers who had fallen, and a note 
from General Jackson, couched in the most courteous 
language, saying that one pair of epaulettes was mis- 
sing, but diligent search was making, and when found, 
they should be sent in. These articles, always con- 
sidered fair ol)jects of plunder, were rescued by Gene- 
ral Jackson, and thus handed over, with a request that 
they might be transmitted to the relatives of the gallant 
officers to whom they l)elonged." 

Tliis anecdote, and the frank and soldier-like style 
in which it was given, tui*ned the whole current of 
feeling in favor of the general, and drew forth an ex- 
pression of applause from all ]>arts of the table. " For 
myself," said our informant, " I felt a flush on my cheek, 
and a thrill of ]:»ride tlirough my bosom, and in ray 
heart I tlianked the old general for proving, by this 
chivalrous act, that the defenders of our country were 
above the sordid feelings of mercenary warfare." 



THE AMERICAlSr REVOLUTIOIS:, 463 

Most of the above revolutionary incidents a"od 
sketches of biography, are extracted from the first and 
second volumes of the Magnolia, but regret that we 
were obliged to abridge the narratives and thereby 
impair the style and ellect. But for this, we could not 
have done better than to adopt the words of the writers, 
Judge O'Neall, Major Perry of Greenville, Major Sum- 
mer of Newberry and Mr. Geo. P. Elliott of Beaufort. 



JOSEPH, WILLIAM AND ELY KERSHAW. 

About the year 1Y55, when there was not the most 
distant idea of the American revolution, three brothers, 
Joseph, William and Ely Kershaw, came out from 
Great Britain to South-Carolina, bringing with them 
considerable funds or property.* In April, 1756, Jo- 
seph Kershaw was keeping a grocery store in Charles- 
ton, as appears by his advertisement in the South- 
Carolina Gazette. In or about the year 1758, he 
removed to what was then called Pine Tree, a village 
on the east side of the Wateree river, at the head of 
navigation. Here he continued many years, carrying 
on a very extensive country trade, as much for the ac- 
commodation of the surrounding settlers as for his own 
profit. John Chesnut was at first his apprentice, then 
his clerk, and finally, his partner, in this extensive 
country store, 

A colony of Quakers, from Ireland, among whom 
were Robert Millhouse and Samuel Wiley, two very 
sensible and respectable men, had settled on Pine Tree 
creek, near Wateree river, in Craven count}^, and called 
their village " Pine Tree." There, also, they built stores, 
mills, a meeting-house, and formed a very thriving 
settlement. When Joseph Kershaw settled in this vil- 

* They were the sons of Joseph Kershaw, and were born in York- 
shire, England, at Sowerby. 



464 TRADITIOlSrS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

lage, he married Miss Matliis, one of the Quaker settlers, 
purchased a good deal of the adjoining land, and be- 
came one of the most influential proprietors. He pre- 
vailed on the other settlers to unite in laying out their 
town in streets and lots, and in changing its homely 
name to Camden, after the favorite English statesman 
of that day.* Camden continued to prosper, and the 
number of stores, mills and dwellings, increased in pro- 
portion with the numl^er of its inhabitants and facilities 
of trade. Nothing interrupted this progressive im- 
provement until after the fall of Charleston, in 1780, 
when the British troops overrun the State. 

William Kershaw died previous to the revolution, 
and but little is now known of his merits and services. 
Joseph having acquired great influence in that division 
of the State, by his talents, integrity, and public spirit, 
took an early and an active part in the affairs of the re- 
volution. 

In January, 1775, he was a member of the first 
Provincial Congress, the same which adopted a consti- 
tution for the State ; the first constitution which had 
been adopted in the Union. They recommended to 
the inhalntants to train themselves to arms, appointed 
an executive committee to conduct the affairs of the 
State, and adjourned until the December following. 
These proceedings, it will be recollected, took place 
while the royal governor and his privy council were 
still in South-Carolina, and nominally, the rulers of the 
Province, under his Majesty George III. To contra- 
vene his authority was high treason. At the next 
meeting of this assembly the revolutionary government 
was completely established, and Joseph Kershaw elect- 
ed a member of the legislative committee, which cor- 
responds with our Senate. His brother. El}', was then, 
also, elected a captain in the third regiment of rangers, 
under Colonel William Thompson. 

When at the instigation of the British governor, Lord 
William Campbell, the royalists in the upper country 

* Camdcii was laid out in IVCO, and chartered in 1769. 



THE AMBEICAN EEVOLUTION. 465 

were embodying tliemselves under Fletcliall, KirMand, 
BroAvne, Robertson and tlie Cmiuingliams, Joseph Ker- 
sliaw was requested, by tlie executive committee, to 
use liis influence in restraining and conciliating them. 
He accordingly joined with Drayton and Tennent, in 
tlieir measures of peace ; but when the convention, 
signed by the other leaders, was broken by the Cun- 
ninghams and their followers, collected in arms, Ker- 
shaw united in the propriety of opposing force by force, 
and joined General E-ichardson in overrunning and 
crushing the I'oyahsts. 

In the harassing, desultory warfare which ensued, 
during the next five years, in the three Southern States, 
these brothers were always among the foremost in 
danger and duty.'^ The incidents in their ci^dl and 
military career, are not known ; their letters and other 
memorials of their services were, by the request of a 
friend, the talented Henry G. Nixon, Esq., entrusted 
to him ; his house was broken opened and pillaged, 
when the documents were carried off, with other mat- 
ters, and never recovered. In Moultrie's Memoirs, 
vol. 1, p. 271, is detailed a disgraceful act of insubordi- 
nation, by one of Colonel Kershaw's militia men. At 
the colonel's request that he should l^e court-martialed, 
Gen. lincoln proceeded to have him tried by the rules 
and regulations of the continental army. Seven members 
of the court I'efused to take the oath that they would 
try the offender by those rules, as the militia had not 
enlisted under those rules and articles — had not re- 
ceived the bounty or pay of continentals, but were 
drafted under the militia laws of South-Carolina. 
General Lincoln was displeased, dismissed the militia, 
and refused to furnish them any more provisions. 

It is, however, certain, that both Joseph and Ely 
Kershaw were engaged under General Lincoln, in the 

* Colonel Kershaw kept an orderly book, in which he entered all the 
orders received and extended by him. He also kept a book with the 
accounts of each officer, serving in his regiment. They may still be 
seen in the hands of his grand-son, Colonel Joseph Brevard Kershaw, 
in Camden. 

30 



466 TRADITIONS AT^D EEMINISCENCES OF 

defence of Cliarleston, during its long continued siege 
and sufferings. Tliat in violation of the articles of ca- 
pitulation, on its surrender, they were imprisoned by 
the British, solely because they were brave, influential 
men, devoted to their country ; and as such, were sent 
off to Bermuda. In their voyage to that port, Ely died 
wnth typhus dysentery, which prevailed in all the 
prison ships, to a greater or less degree.'"' 

During the two years subsequent to the fall of 
Charleston, Camden became the centre of almost all 
the military transactions of that eventful era — the 
battle-field for contending hostile armies, fifteen or six- 
teen actions havinsr been fou2:ht in its environs. Im- 
mediately after the surrender of Charleston, Camden 
was occupied by the British, and was the scene of many 
thrilling incidents. Here the first martyrs were exe- 
cuted in what the British called the second rebellion. 
Imprisonment and chains w^ere the lot of many hundred 
Americans, in Camden. When the British could no 
longer retain it as a military position, they set fire to 
the court-houses and jail, to their barracks, and to their 
store-houses, containing an immense amount of arms, 
provisions, baggage, and military stores of every de- 
scription. In the progress of the flames, many private 
buildings were involved in the general destruction. 
The fortifications were left entire, by the British, hop- 
ing that they might return and occupy them, but these 
the Americans destroyed, and Camden was left in ruins. 

At the close of the revolution, Colonel Kei'shaw re- 
turned to his dilapidated home, with a fortune reduced 
by the waste of war. Still, the happy result of the 
revolution left him much to exult in, and the cares, 
the wants and the education of his children, afforded 
interest and pleasure to his manly exertions. His 
house was left by the British, and is still in good repair, 
but has passed out of the family. 

While still in exile, his active patriotism and com- 

* Joseph Kershaw was detained a prisoner fifteen months, in Ber- 
mnda, and then exchanged. 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTIOl!^. 46 T 

mercial enterprise, induced liim, to concert measures 
for supplying the Southern States with military stores 
and clothing, of which he knew them to be wofully in 
want. The purchases were made by his agents, and 
were shipped at his risk, he having mortgaged his 
lands for security. They would have been a source of 
great profit to himself, and of incalculable benefit to 
the country, had they arrived in safety. He intended 
them as supplies, offered to Congress for the general 
defence, but he had no opportunity of making a pre- 
vious bargain or engagement with the agents of the 
government. The vessel in which they were shipped, 
was captured by the British, and his excellent inten- 
tions frustrated. He petitioned Congress for relief 
from the consequent heavy loss, but as they had never 
encouraged him in the undertaking, or assumed the 
liability for his costs and charges, the petition was re- 
jected, and he left embarrassed, by the heavy and un- 
fortunate speculation. Mrs. Kershaw, his wife, having 
been left in South-Carolina with part of her family, was 
subjected to great annoyance during the absence of 
her husband. Lord Cornwallis first occupied her house, 
then Lord Kawdon, and their successors, in command 
of his Majesty's forces on that station. During this 
occupation, Mrs. Kershaw, with her children, were 
excluded and forced to reside in a small, inconvenient 
house, exposed to the contagion of the small pox, in- 
sulted by the British, and occasionally in a destitute 
condition. She obtained permission to reside a few 
miles south of Camden, and while here, some of her 
faithful servants kept a portion of the stock of cattle, 
hogs, (fee, concealed in the Wateree swamp, where they 
managed to cultivate a few provisions for her and their 
own subsistence. One of these negroes, the driver, called 
Guinea Cato, was very faithful. On one occasion, the 
tories, under one McDaniel, took Cato prisoner, pinioned 
him and carried him off. When encamped at night, 
they built a fire, at the foot of a large swamp oak, and 
slept around it. Cato was placed between two of them, 
and a sentinel stationed on each side of the three. 



468 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

When Cato found all quiet, and the sentinels asleep, 
he cautiously loosed his bonds and crept into the thick 
woods adjoining. When in a place of safety, his native 
love of fun returned upon him, and he determined to 
give the tory camp a little stampede. With this view, 
he selected a large pine knot, and from a favorable 
position, threw it among the top branches of the tree. 
It was in the fall of a fine mast year, and the large 
acorns showered down upon the unconscious sleepers. 
They, probably dreaming of Marion and the whigs, 
started from their slumbers in the greatest confusion, 
heightened by the signal guns of the sentinels, the 
cries ^f the timid and the alarm of the whole party. 
Cato enjoyed the success of his trick, often grinned, 
while en route to his home, and told the story with 
great relish, for many years after the event. 

While at this house, Mrs. Kershaw was frequently 
subjected to the intrusion and annoyance of British 
officers. They would send down a sergeant with a file 
of men, escorting a cart of liquors, provisions, <fec, 
directing preparations to be made for a dance, which 
it pleased them to hold there that night. They in no 
way respected the homestead of a retired family, and 
the ladies of rebel families were made to feel their 
position as subjects. They suspected that Colonel 
Wade Hampton was harbored l)y Mrs. Kershaw, and 
searched her house at midnight to take him. Miss Hetty 
Cummings, who was of a royalist family, was staying 
there at the time, and presuming on the known loyalty 
of her family, she refused to rise or permit her room 
to Ije searched. She indignantly denied the imputation 
that a gentleman was in her chamber, and threatened 
them with punishment, if they insulted her by entering 
it. Notwithstanding her spirited behaviour, they en- 
tered the room, and not content with searching it, 
plunged their bayonets into the l^ed. On another oc- 
casion, Hampton had hardly left the house, when a 
troop of Tarleton's cavalry galloi)ed into the yard, in 
quest of him. 

After Camden was evacuated by the British, Mrs, 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION* 469 

Kerslaaw returned to tlie mansion house, and in a few 
days after, Mrs. General Greene was her guest for a 
short time. Mrs. Greene was represented to have been 
a very handsome woman, and as elegant in her manners 
as in her person. She was di-essed in a rich military 
jacket and skirt, for her riding dress. She travelled on 
horseback, with a numerous retinue — her decorations 
were richly plaited, and she lived in much style. 

Two of Colonel Kershaw's sons, James and John, the 
two oldest, had been sent to England for their educa- 
tion, previous to the commencement of hostilities, and 
did not return until after the peace. Col. K. left eight 
children at his death, and their descendants are nume- 
rous. Among them are Charles and Benjamin Perkins, 
and family, Mrs. Alexander Johnson and family, all of 
Camden ; Mrs. Henrietta Powers, of Virginia ; Samuel 
Wilds DuBose and family, of Darlington ; Mrs. Mary 
R. Young, of Jackson county, Florida ; and Colonel 
Joseph Brevard Kershaw, of Camden, who acquired 
honorable distinction in the Mexican war, as first lieu- 
tenant of the KersJiaw volunteers, in the Palmetto 
Regiment. 



MAJOR PEARCE BUTLERv 



This gentleman was a native of Ireland, a descendant 
from the Duke of Ormond, the celebrated Jacobite, 
and therefore, from education and principle, opposed to 
the present dynasty of Great Britain. He was one of 
the most elegant men in person and deportment that 
ever I saw, and joined cordially with the Americans in 
their opposition to the unconstitutional measures of the 
British administration. He married Miss Middleton, 
of Beaufort, a lady of one of the first families of South- 
Carolina, possessing a fine fortune ; and identified him- 
self, with native ardor, in all the interests and feelings 



470 TKADITlONS AND KEMINISCENCER OF 

of tlie Soutli. On some occasions, when speaking re- 
proaclifuUy of the depredations committed by the 
British troops, he was more pointed in his remarks 
against the 71st regiment, calling them a band of jail 
birds, <tc.* This speech was repi)rted to that regi- 
ment, and both men and officers vowed vengeance 
against him, but were never able to eft'ect their purpose- 
It was, however, known among his friends, and every 
precaution taken for his safety. When spending the 
night in company with his lady, at the plantation of 
Mr. John Deas, in St. Thomas' Parish, he had taken 
off his boots, and was preparing to retire, when an 
alarm was given that the enemy were at hand. Mr. 
Deas took hold of his arm, and urged him to go imme- 
diately through a back gate and escape. Major Butler 
called for his boots, but Mr. Deas would not suffer him 
to wait for them, and hurried him out in slippers. In 
their way dow^n to the landing. Major Butler lost one 
of his slippers, but Mr. Deas would not suffer him to 
pause even for that, and when they reached the creek, 
(Trench Quarter Creek,) he Avas litei'ally bare-footed. 
Mr. Deas paddled over to Mr. Huger's side, and in the 
adjoining woods they were safe till morning. 

They had scarcely left the house, when the British 
dragoons, whose approach had been discovered, rudely 
rushed in, demanding Major Butler. They had heard 
of his being at Mr. Deas', (through the treachery of 
two of Major Butler's servants,) and had been sent to 
take him. Being told that Major Butler was not there, 
they insisted on searching the premises. Not being 
able to Und or hear of him, they were asked by Mrs. 
Butler " what they would have done, if they had found 
him ?" The officer promptly answered, " we would 
have ]^ut him to death, even in your arms, madam." 

Major Butler had a son and daughter, by his mar- 
riage, but the son died at a most interesting period of 

* It was said and believed, that "vvhen Savaniiali was taken by the 
Britisli troops, the culprits and convicts were relejised from the jails, on 
condition that they should enlist, and that this regiment, in particular, 
had been filled by such enlistments. 



taE AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. 471 

life — shortly after lie had reached the age of manhood. 
His daughter married Dr. Mease, of Philadelphia, aud 
had a family. Major Butler's large property was in 
the Sfate of Georgia, at the mouth of the Altamaha. 
The heir -of his name and fortune being lost, he made 
some especial provision in his will, for the family name 
of Butler to be assumed by one or more of his grand- 
sons, the children of Mrs. Mease. His wish has been 
complied with, and his grand-sons enjoy his estate in 
the family name of Butler. 

When the British army was intrenched at Cam- 
bridge, in Mnty-Six District, under the command of 
Colonel Cruger, his family was staying about three 
miles west of Cambridge, at the house of Colonel S. S. 
Mayson, who had taken protection. Mayson had a 
family, and among them several daughters. The British 
officers at Cambridge, finding so many attractions at 
the residence of their commanding officer, and so much 
ennui during their inactive residence in camp, frequent- 
ly obtained leave of absence to call and spend the 
evening at Mayson's, ostensibly to pay due respect to 
the lady of their commander. Other young company 
would occasionally assemble there, and much social 
harmony was promoted in the neighborhood. Even 
some of the rebels would occasionally visit at Mayson's, 
and if they there met with British officers, it was 
on neutral ground, and civilities were interchanged. 

Suddenly, a cannonade is heard at Cambridge, and 
the ladies were soon apprized that General Greene 
had attacked the British forces, and was besieging their 
star battery. Much confusion ensued ; all were busy 
in collecting their movables, and Mrs. Cruger sewing 
up her guineas in girdles or belts, for the purpose of 
securing them about her person. A lady now livings 
the venerable relict of General William Butler, being 
a \asitor in the family of Mayson's, says, that she helped 
Mrs. Cruger to sew up the guineas on tliis occasion. She 
does not say that any others, except Mrs. Cruger, 
had occasion so to provide for the safety of their money: 



472 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

" nonglit is never in danger." The work was scarcely 
finished, when the ladies were alarmed hy the an- 
nouncement, that a numlDer of armed men, in American 
uniform, had marched into the enclosure. The men 
being halted, the officer advanced, and asked to speak 
with any one of the family. He then stated tliat 
General Greene had sent him to request that Mrs. 
Cruger would not be alarmed at the hostilities in Gam- 
bridge, and that he was ordered with his twelve men 
to remain as a guard, protecting Mrs. Cruger and the 
family from any annoyance whatever. 

This delicate consideration for the family of an enemy, 
was unexpected, in those days of political strife and 
personal hostility. It was Avell received by Cruger and 
his officers, and no doubt many asperities were prevent- 
ed in the subsequent warfare in South-Carolina. When 
General Greene was about to relinquish the seige of 
Cambridge, the guard was withdrawn, and at parting, 
Mrs. Cruger gave the officer two guineas — of course, 
they parted good friends. 

Mrs. Butler says, that on this occasion, she first saw 
her future husband, William Butler. A smart looking 
young officer rode up to the house alone, having a rose 
cockade in his hat : he politely inquired if any persons 
had been there, who might be stragglers from the 
American army ? On being told that there had been 
two, he asked if they had taken anything away, and in 
what direction they had gone? Mrs. B. answered, 
that they had not taken anything from the house, but 
that they had gone off in a direction, which led her to 
believe that they intended to steal their horses. At 
this, William Butler gave some signal by which he 
was soon joined 1)y his detachment ; he saved the horses, 
captured the men, and took them safely into the Ame- 
rican camp. 

About this time, also, a young American was bi'ought 
into their ht)use, badly wounded, having been shot, and 
fallen from his horse. While all were anxious about 
his life, the only words he uttered, were — " Don't let 
them carry off' my horse." 



*rHE AMEEICA^r EEVOLtJTlOK. 47 S 



MAJOR-GENERAL SAMUEL ELBERT. 

Fol* the particulars in tlie subjoined notice of Gene^ 
I'al Elbert, I am wholly indebted to the friendly re- 
searches of Mr. I. K. Tefft, of Savannah. 

The parents of Samuel Elbert were both natives of 
England, and his father, a Baptist minister in Prince 
William's Parish, South-Carolina, in which settlement 
their son Samuel was born, in the year 1740. At an 
early age he became an orphan, and v\^ent to Savannah 
to seek employment and earn his subsistence. Here 
he engaged in mercantile pursuits, and continued to be 
so engaged until the commencement of the American 
revolution; here also he married Miss Elizabeth Kae, 
daughter of a planter in the vicinity. 

The first evidence that we find of Elbert's partaking 
in the all-absorbing incidents of the revolution, is his 
signature to a document, pledging his allegiance to 
the King of Great Bi-itain, dated the 4th June, 1774, 
thus — '■'■ Samuel Elbert, captain of the grenadier com- 
pany."'"" A council of safety was appointed on the 
22d June, 1775, of w^hich he was elected a member. 

The General Assembly of Georgia passed a resolu- 
tion to raise a battalion of continental troops, and, on 
the 4th February, 1776, the following field officers 
were appointed : Lachlan Mcintosh, colonel ; Samuel 
Elbert, lieutenant-colonel ; and Joseph Habersham, 
major. On the 16th of September, 1776, Elbert was 
promoted to the rank of colonel, and in May, 1777, 
he commanded in an expedition, intended by President 

* It may be said that this was nothing more than a qualification or 
preliminary to the holding of that commission. But the coincidence is 
remarkable ; both he and Joseph Habersham signed the pledge, and 
are commissioned iu the same company, on the same day, directly after 
the news is received of despotic measures enforced against Boston, 
under the well-known Boston port bill. The adiress of the citizens of 
Boston to the other Provinces, was dated the 13th of May, 1774, and 
town meetings were held in Charleston as soon as received, probably 
also in Savannah. A convention of South-Carolina met, in conse- 
quence, on the 6th of July, and a convention of Georgia on the 27th 
July, 1774. 



474 TRADlTIOlSrS And reminiscences OV' 

Gwinnett for tlie reduction of East Florida ; but they 
failed in their ol)ject, and, after some skirmishing, the 
troops were withdrawn. In the next year, 1778, the 
British retaliated, and an invasion of Georgia was pro- 
jected by General Provost, aided by the Indians and 
royalists from Florida. The Carolinians were called 
upon for their aid, and i't was promptly and liberally 
afforded.^' The combined movements of the Geor- 
gians and Carolinians, on this occasion, certainly saved 
the State from the intended invasion, but they did no 
other good. Their army was badly provided for and 
badly conducted. General Robert Howe, of North- 
Carolina, was the commander of this gallant but 
unfortunate army. The climate and country over- 
whelmed them witli disease and death, more destruc- 
tive than battle, prostrated their brave companions 
in arms, and the survivors retired to Savannah, greatly 
reduced in numbers, discontented at the conduct of 
the expedition, and depressed in spirits. Here they 
were attacked, on the 29th December, 1778, by an 
expedition sent direct from New- York, under Colo- 
nel Archibald Campbell, out-generaled, defeated, and 
driven, at the point of the bayonet, through the streets 
of Savannah. The Georgia troops, under Colonel 
Elbert, made a brave but ineffectual stand against 
the victorious British regulars, and retreated fighting 
them. 

The next battle in which Colonel Elbert was- en- 
gaged, was at Briar Creek, where General Ashe, of 
Nortli-Carolina, commanded the Americans. This was 
a complete surprise and total defeat. The British 
amused General Ashe by a feint, while they crossed 

*0n the 19th of April, 1778, Colonel Elbert having heard that 
some British vessels were at anchor in Frcderica, obtained three gallies, 
and manned them with some of his own landsmen. With these he 
went in jnirsuit of the enemy. They proved to be the brigantine Hin-* 
chinbrook and sloop Rebecca, privateers, which had been infesting the 
Southern coast, and had gone in there with their prize — a brig — for 
recreation, refitting and plunder. Colonel Elbert boarded them, and. 
after a smart resistance, succeeding in capturing them all. 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. 475 

the creek above him, and had actually gained the rear 
of his army before the alarm was given. Then there 
Was but little else than alarm and flight.* Colonel 
Elbert rallied a few of his command, and foua^ht until 
he was struck down. He was then on the point of 
being despatched by a soldier, with up-lifted bayonet, 
when he made the masonic sign of distress. An offi- 
cer saw it, and instantly responded ; he stayed the 
sturdy arm of the soldier, and Elbert's life was saved 
by the benevolent principle of brotherly love, even 
among enemies, even in the heat and hurry of battle. 
While a prisoner, on parole, in the British camp, 
Elbert was treated with great respect and kindness. 
Offers of promotion, honors and rewards were made 
to him, and courtesy, persuasion and blandishments 
used to seduce him from the American cause. It is a 
tradition in his family, that when these were declined, 
an insidious attempt was made, by means of two In- 
dians, to murder him, his personal appearance having 
been described as the object for their aim. Elbert, in 
his mercantile transactions wdth the Indians, was a 
favorite among them. He fortunately discovered these 
two in time, gave a signal which he had formerly been 
accustomed to among them, their guns were imme- 
diately lowered, and they came forward to shake hands 
with him.f This attempt cannot be charged to any of 
the British army, who continued to treat him kindly. 
There w^as a gang of lawless marauders, calling them- 
selves royalists, infesting the State, against which Colo- 
nel Elbert had been particularly active. At that time, 
also, there was excessive virulence ]Drevailing between 
the whigs and tories, inciting them to acts more savage 
than those of the savages. Even the atrocities of civil 

* In Moultrie's Memoirs, vol. i., page 338, &c., there is a much more 
favorable account of General Ashe's difficulties and doings on this occa- 
sion ; a court of inquiry having been called at his request. 

f This signal had probably been agreed upon and used, when, with 
his company, by order of Governor Wright, he guarded the Indian 
chiefs back to the Creek nation. 



476 TEADITIONS AlSlD HEMlNISCElSrCES OB" 

war can neither justify nor excuse such deeds as were 
then committed. 

When the three Southern States were overrun by 
the British troops after the fall of Charleston, Colonel 
Elbert, having been exchanged, went northwardly, 
and offered his services to General Washington. They 
were gladly accepted by this excellent judge of human 
character, and, at the siege of Yorktown, in Virginia, 
Colonel Elbert was honored with the command of the 
grand deposite of arms and military stores, a post of 
great trust and honor. Here, by strict adherence to 
his orders, he merited and received the approbation 
of the commander-in-chief. Here, also, he contracted 
other friendships ; here he became intimate with La 
Fayette, and corresponded with him several years; 
one of his sons was called LaFayette in consequence. 

Colonel Elbert was gradually advanced in rank by 
the legislature of Georgia, and finally made major- 
general, the highest military command. In civil offices 
he was also favored ; he was elected sheriff, an office 
then considered the most profitable in the State. In 
1785, he was elected governor, by a vote almost unani- 
mous, at a time when the affairs of that State required 
to be conducted with great energy, judgment and deci- 
sion. The State has also gratefully perpetuated his 
good name, by calling one of her Ijest counties " El- 
bert," in honor of him. 

On the 2d of November, 1788, General Elbert died 
in Savannah, after a lingering illness, at the early age 
of forty-five years, leaving a widow and six children* 
His funeral was honored by the attendance of the Cin- 
cinnati Society, the masonic lodges, and all the military 
of that city. Minute guns were fired by the artillery^ 
and a funeral sermoji delivered by the llev. Mr. Lind- 
say. His remains were interred in the family ceme- 
tery, on the mount at Kae's Hall, about five miles above 
Savannah. His honor, patriotism and valor are com- 
memorated as examples to future generations. 

Mr. Teft't has favored me also with copies of six let- 



THE AiVIERICAN" EEVOLUTlOlSr. 4YT 

ters by General Elbert, written exclusively on tlie 
various public concerns of the State. They are — ^Ist, 
to Dr. Noble Wimberly Jones ; 2d, to Brigadier-Gene- 
ral James Jackson ; 3d, to Colonel Maxwell ; 4th, to 
Baron de Steuben ; 5th, to Andrew McLean ; 6th, to 
Major-General L. Mcintosh. 



MEMOIR OF COLONEL LeROY HAMMOND. 

This communication was kindly made by the Hon. 
A, P. Butler, he having derived the information from 
Captain Joshua Hammond, nephew of LeRoy Ham- 
mond. Captain Hammond is now ninety years old, 
enjoying uncommon vigor of mind and body. He 
served under his uncle, the colonel, in the revolution, 
and is well prepared for giving the prominent incidents 
of his life. 

LeRoy Hammond was born in Richmond county, 
Virginia, on the Rapahanoc river ; his father was John 
Hammond, and his mother, before her marriage, was a 
Miss Dobins. LeRoy married a Miss Tyler, and left 
Virginia, with his wife and one child, about the year 
1765, He commenced business, as a merchant, in Au- 
gusta, and, after continuing there two or three years, 
removed over to South-Carolina, to a place called Rich- 
mond, keeping a public ferry on the Savannah river, 
and continuing his mercantile business. From this 
place he removed to his well-known residence, Snow 
Hill, in Edgefield District, and commenced the tobacco 
trade. By his judicious advice and energetic influence, 
he contriljuted as much, and possibly more, than any 
other individual, to promote and improve the culture 
of tobacco in South-Carolina. In the first year, he re- 
ceived at his warehouse only twenty hogsheads, and 
in the second year received more than one thousand. 
It was at Cameltown, a short distance below his resi- 
dence, that he continued to do his principal business, 
which became extensive and very profitable. His 



478 TEADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

industrious habits and intelligence gave him a strong 
position and great influence in society. 

Before the commencement of the revolution, LeKoy 
Hammond was, under the royal government, a justice 
of the peace and captain of a company ; he was also 
a good practical surveyor, of excellent judgment, and 
commanded more than common attention in that dis- 
trict. His opposition to the acts of the British Parlia- 
ment was first made known, by his excluding the use 
of tea from his family, which had been their favorite 
beverage. The visit of Drayton and Tennent into the 
upper counties produced a deep sensation, and served 
to separate parties. Whilst Tennent came to Ninety' 
Six, Drayton remained in the Dutch Fork. Browne's 
movements becoming more openly hostile and threat- 
ening, Drayton came to Colonel LeKoy Hammond, 
and appealed to him for support, as his opinions had 
l)ecome publicly and extensively known. It became 
necessary now for him to avow his political principles, 
and the line of conduct which he intended to pursue ; 
and he did not hesitate, but at once unfurled the ban- 
ner of his influence, and went with Drayton to Ninety- 
Six, to promote the signing of the pledge, by the loy- 
alists and vacillating wliigs. His aid was important, 
and served to give character to subsequent movements. 

The neighbors began to reproach each other for the 
parts they had taken, and the tories soon manifested 
their dissatisfaction by assuming a hostile attitude, 
under their leaders, the Cunninghams. They collected 
in a formidable force at Ninety-Six, and Colonel Andrew 
Williamson was placed in command of about six hun- 
dred whigs to oppose them ; LeRoy Hammond being 
one of his officers, they proceeded to that place. After 
a contest of some days, in which both ])arties seemed 
to be tired, something like a treaty, for twenty days, 
was signed by the leaders, and the men disbanded. 

Not long after this. Colonels .Richardson and Thom- 
son came up with a large force in pursuit of the tories, 
in what was called the Snow Campaign. They were 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 479 

overtaken on Keedy river, on Big Cane Creek. The 
tories surrendered, and some prisoners were sent to 
Charleston. In Williamson's expedition against the 
Cherokees, in July, 1776, LeE-oy Hammond acted a 
very efficient and distinguished part. When the In- 
dians ambuscaded the army in its advance — when Wil- 
liamson's horse was killed under him, and his friend, 
Salvadore, killed and scalped at his side, and every 
thing in the greatest confusion, LeRoy .Hammond, at 
the head of about twenty of his own company, charged 
bayonet on the Indians concealed in the thicket, and 
when they broke from their covert, poured in upon 
them a deadly fire, from which they never rallied. 
W^illiamson's division was saved from defeat and de- 
struction by the gallantry of LeRoy Hammond. A 
day or two after this battle, it was determined to cross 
the Seneka river, and invade the Indian nation. One 
of the officers having been ordered to lead in advance, 
evaded or declined the duty and hazard ; LeRoy Ham- 
mond immediately volunteered, and executed the duty 
with such gallantry and success, that he was considered 
the hero of that expedition. The bashful officer was 
arrested, Hammond promoted, and the Indian nation 
ravaged. 

In 1778, when Williamson was ordered with his 
command, to advance along the frontiers of Georgia, 
in what was called the Florida expedition. Colonel 
Hammond did not join him, having been prevented by 
sickness or accident, but many of his family and friends 
partook in the dangers and privations of that unfortu- 
nate affair. 

In June, 1778, Colonel Hammond acted with J. L. 
Gervais and G. Galphin, as commissioners appointed 
by the Governor and Council of South-Carolina, in 
soothing and conciliating the Indian nations. 

In December, 1778, he was sent as commissioner, in 
conjunction with George Galphin and Daniel McMur- 

Ehy, by the Continental Congress, to the Upper and 
lower Creeks ; met them at Ogechee on the 15th, 
exchanged friendly addresses, and made peaceful ar^^ 



480 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

rangements witli the young Tallassee king, and otliei* 
head men of those nations, as preserved by Colonel 
Henry Laurens, President of that Congress. 

In 1779, when General Lincoln assumed the com- 
mand of the Southern forces, Colonel Hammond aided 
with his regiment, and fought in the battle of Stono. 
In 1780, he united with Clarke and other whigs, and 
rendered valuable service against the tories and In- 
dians in Georgia. In 1781, when the British had pos- 
session of Augusta, the service in which the whigs 
engaged was of the nature of a siege, but with a view 
to prevent the co-operation of the Indians, and cut off 
their supplies. It was a ser\dce that required the 
greatest vigilance, activity and daring ; and the unfor- 
tunate prisoners and wounded men were put to death 
with savage barbarity, by Browne and his confederate 
Indians. 

Subsequently, when the siege was renewed and 
pressed with great energy by Pickens, Clarke, Harden, 
and the two Hammonds — LePoy of the infantry, and 
Samuel of the cavalry — the horrors of war were ex- 
emplified. Many were killed on both sides, and among 
those of the Americans was Ca^^tain William Martin, 
of the artillery, the oldest of seven brave and patriotic 
brothers, who served with heroic devotion. After the 
capture of Fort Granby, on tlie Congaree, Colonel Lee 
joined the besiegers with his legion, and Browne soon 
after surrendered Fort Coruwallis to them, relying on 
the regulars for that protection which had not been 
afforded to Grierson, when he was taken prisoner by 
the militia. 

After the surrender of Augusta, Pickens, LeRoy and 
Samuel Hammond, proceeded to the siege of Ninety- 
Six, under General Greene. Here the two Hammonds 
were detached, on what was supposed to be important 
service. In providing for his retreat from Cambridge, 
General Greene ordered this flank movement. The 
two Hammonds were instructed to advance on the 
west of Cambridge, and then northwardly, through 
the tory settlements, to the foot of the mountain, and 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. 481 

then easfcwardly to tlie Congarees."^* It was evidently 
intended to restrain the tories from annoying General 
Grreene, during liis retreat before Lord Rawdou, and 
it had the effect. They encamped at Taylor's planta- 
tion, near Columbia. 

They afterwards fell in with the rear of the British, 
under Colonel Cruger, retreating from Cambridge to 
Orangeburg, and captured some of his baggage with 
several prisoners. LeRoy Hammond had scarcely 
reached his home, when he was again called out to aid 
General Greene in the battle of Eutaw. Before he 
reached the camp of General Greene, he was met, in 
the neighborhood of Granby, by a messenger from 
Governor liutledge, in Camden, requiring his imme- 
diate presence there. While thus employed in the 
neighborhood of Camden, the battle of Eutaw was 
fought, where Colonel Samuel Hammond had the good 
fortune to distinguish himself. 

From this period, LeRoy Hammond was actively 
engaged in scouting, and in some sanguinary encoun- 
ters with the tories, but did not meet any more with 
British troops. 

After the peace, he resumed his mercantile pursuits, 
and was in co-partnership with Colonel John Lewis 
Gervais, of Charleston. He served many years in the 
Legislature, both in the Senate and in the House, and 
always enjoyed the confidence of his constituents, with 
the highest respect of his fellow members ; few men 
deserved them better. 

In the midst of troubles and turbulence, his deport- 
ment was exemplary, and rebuked the lawless violence 
and criminal proceedings of the many. His inter- 
course with society induced others to observe a decent 
regard for its forms, and to pay due respect to the 
laws and officiating magistrates. He was well known 
and highly respected in every part of the State, not 
only by his past services, but by the cordial welcome 

* Others say that General Pickens commanded both the Hammonds 
in this detachment. 
31 



482 TRADITIONS AND REJ1INISCENCE> jJ^' 

of his hospitable board to all travellers. He was, by 
education and practice, an Episcopalian, but felt the 
utmost respect for the religious opinions of all others. 
Colonel LeRoy Hammond died in Edgefield, leaving 
but one descendant ; and he, LeRoy Hammond, also 
left but one son, Andrew Hammond, a young man of 
activity and promise. 



[From the South- Carolina. Temperance Advocated] 

MEMOIR OF COLONEL JAMES WILLIAMS. 

"Servant of God, well done; well bast thou fought 

The better fight, who single has maintained 

Against revolted multitudes, the cause 

Of truth, in word, mightier than they in arms ; 

And for the testimony of truth, hast borne 

Universal reproach, far worse to bear 

Than violence ; for this was all thy care, 

To stand approved in sight of God, though worlds 

Judged thee perverse ; the easier conquest now 

Remains thee, aided by this host of friends, 

Back ©n thy foes more glorious to return. 

Than scorned thou didst depart, and to subdue 

B}' force, who reason for their law refuse." 

[Milton's Paradise Lost. 

Colonel Williams was a native, it is believed, of 
North-Carolina; probably of Granville county, from 
which place he migrated to South-Carolina, in 1773. He 
settled on Little River, Laurens District. His original 
settlement, (Mount Pleasant,) is in the possession of 
Drayton Nance, Esq., of Newl)erry, who married one 
of his grand-daughters. He engaged in the mercantile 
business, as well as that of farming. The former he 
followed, until the war of independence compelled him 
to abandon it. 

He early took part in the opposition to the measures 
of the British govermnent.'"^' With Major John Cald- 
well, John Colcock, Rowland Rugely, Jonathan Downs, 

* 1st Moul. Mem. 17. 



'•. 'IHE AMEEICAN EEVOLUTION". 483 

John Satterwliite, John Williams, Jolin McNees, Chas. 
King and George Ross, lie was elected from the district 
between Broad and Saluda rivers, a member of the 
Provincial Congress, which assembled in Charleston, 
11 til January, 1775, and which, by the first article of 
the constitution of 1776, was declared to be the Gene- 
ral Assembly.'^ He was appointed one of the commit- 
tee, for the execution of the American Association, for 
the district between Broad and Saluda rivers.f In this 
section of the country, many persons, from the begin- 
ning, did not concur in the measures of resistance to 
the mother country. Two of the gentlemen named on 
the committee. Colonel Thomas Fletchall and General 
Robert Cunningham, were afterwards distinguished as 
leaders of the party called tories. In the years 1775, 
'76 and '77, the parties became more distinctly marked ; 
but with the exception of the capture of the powder, 
the aflair of Ninety-Six and the Snow Camps, the inte- 
rior of the State had seen very little of the war. The 
declaration of independence, and the treaty of amity 
with the French, gave great discontent to many, who, 
in the beginning, had taken a deep interest in the op- 
position. In consequence of this, it is said^ Major John 
Caldwell, who was a captain in the regiment of rangers, 
resigned his commission, retired to his farm, and united 
with those who were for conciliation with the mother 
country. At the election of 1778, under the constitu- 
tion of that year, Colonel Williams was a candidate for 
the Senate, from the Little River District. J He was 
defeated by Robert Cunningham, and the entire dele- 
gation of four members to the House of Representa- 
tives, was elected from the moderate party, or those 
who were in favor of conciliation. They were, John 
Caldwell, Jacob Bowman, Jonathan Downs, and Henry 
O'Neall. All efforts at reconciliation were, however, 
soon abandoned, and the parties of whig and tory as- 
sumed irreconcilable grounds. The senator, Robert 

* 1st Stat, at Large, 130. f 1st Moul.Mem. 45, 

J 1st Stat, at Large, 139. 



484 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

Cunningliam, and two of tlie representatives, Jacob 
Bowman and Henry O'Neall, were decided tories ; the 
other two representatives, John Cahiwell and Jonathan 
Downs, were equally decided whigs. 

In the course of this election, or on some other oc- 
casion, when the people were called together, Williams 
was about addressing the people ; before he began, he 
noticed that Robert Cunningham was standing at his 
elbow. He said to him, "you stand too near me." 
Cunningham coolly replied, without changing liis posi- 
tion, " I stand very well where I am." A blow from 
Williams followed the reply : a fight ensued, in which 
Mrs. Williams, with a true woman's devotedness, took 
part with her husband, by seizing Cunningham by Ms 
cue. She was gently disengaged by a gentleman pre- 
sent, and the rencontre terminated in Cunningham's 
favor. 

Colonel Williams was appointed by the governor 
and council, or elected by the people, colonel of the 
militia, and commanded on various occasions. From 
General Williamson's order, of the 19th of April, 17Y8, 
it appears that Colonel Williams was then in command, 
and was called on to prepare men and means to carry 
aid to the Georgians, and also to protect this State. 
He went into actual service, as a colonel of the militia, 
in February or April, 1779.'^ A letter written to his 
wife, 3d June, 1779, and another to his sou, on the 12th 
of the same month, show that he had then been in ser- 
vice for some time. In his letter of the 3d to his wife, 
he speaks of " the probability of an action the other 
day." This refers to the attempt to bring on a gene- 
ral action near Stono, 1st June, 1779.f He command- 
ed a detachment of militia, (probably a regiment,) in 
the battle of Stono, 20th June, 1779. It is believed 
he bore a part in the unfortunate siege of Savannah, 
for he was still in service on the 3d of September, 1779, 
as appears by a letter of that date to his wife. 

After the fall of Charleston, (12th May, 1780,) it is 

* 1st Moul. Mem. 309, 3Yl. f 1st MouL Mem. 468. 



THE AMERICAN EE VOLUTION. 485 

BUpposed Colonel Williams took refuge in North-Caro- 
lina. On the 5th of July, 1Y80, he wrote to his wife, 
from Sumter's camp, " Catawba Old Nation." In that 
letter, he tells her, he left his brother's in North-Caro- 
lina, on the 27th of June, with his family, (who were, 
perhaps, his sons Daniel and Joseph, for they, it appears, 
accompanied him, and are spoken of in this same letter.) 
In this interesting letter, written obviously to encou- 
rage the friends of liberty in the neighborhood of his 
wife, as well as herself, he states the total of the 
American army, then approaching Camden, under 
General DeKalb, at seven thousand seven hundred men. 
He thus states the forces : " Major General DeKalb, 
Generals Wayne and Smallwood, with the Maryland, 
New-Jersey and Pennsylvania troops, to the amount of 
three thousand regulars — two thousand five hundred 
of Virginia militia, marched from Hillsborough, being 
in order to join General Caswell with about two thou- 
sand North-Carolina militia, and about two hundred 
regular light horse — on the whole, seven thousand 
seven hundred, that is now in motion, and will be at 
Camden in the course of six or seven days." 

Here the sanguine patriot and hero was disappointed; 
for on the 25th of July, General Gates found the army 
encamped on Deep River.* If Colonel Williams be 
correct, the general gathering of the militia preceded 
the arrival of General Gates ; whereas, most of the his- 
torians ascribe it to his great name and fame. 

In this letter Colonel Williams next proceeds to say, 
that " there is five thousand five hundred Virginia mi- 
litia marching, that will be here shortly, (and two 
thousand North-Carolina militia, nnder General Ruth- 
erford, that is to march to Ninety-Six,) with some 
South-Carolina militia, commanded by Colonel Sumter, 
to the amount of five hundred, now in camp, at this 
place, and in expectation of crossing the river to day, 
with five hundred Mecklenluirg militia. Over and 
above all this, there is four thousand North-Carolina 

* 1st Otis' Botta, 206. 



486 TRADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

militia more to march, as soon as harvest is over. On 
the whole, I expect to have day-about, shortly, with 
the tories, when they must give an account of theii* 
late conduct. I can assure you, my dear, there is a 
French fleet and army on our coast. On the whole, I 
think the state of things is very flattering, at present." 

He then narrates some of the events of the revo- 
lution, which had just taken place. " I expect (says he) 
you have heard of Moore's defeat in the fork of the 
Yadkin, by a detached party from General Rutherford, 
under Captain Palls, not exceeding three hundred and 
fifty, that defeated one thousand three hundred tories, 
and took their baggage, with about five hundred horses, 
and saddles and guns, and counted eighty-five on the 
field, that tliey got deacU' Since that, General Caswell 
has given the English a defeat at the Cheroys, (Che- 
raw,) and cut off the 71st regiment entirely." 

As to this last item of intelligence, there must be 
some mistake ; for although it appears that at this time 
the 71st regiment was stationed at Cheraw, where they 
w^ere joined by eight hundred loyalists, under the com- 
mand of Colonel Bryan, f yet we have, in none of our 
histories, any account of such a decisive action as that 
mentioned by Colonel Williams ; and at the battle of 
Cowpens, in January, 1781, the first battalion of the 
71st regiment surrendered, J 

In this letter. Colonel Williams further says: " I can 
assure you and my friends, that the English have never 
been able to make a stand in North-Carolina yet ; and 
they have slipped their time now^ for they are retreat- 
ing to Charleston with all rapidity." This is high and 
well-deserved praise ; for North-Carolina, although af- 
terwards traversed by Cornwallis, yet never was so far 
subjugated or reduced to the same straits and sufferings 
as her sister, South-Carolina. 

For some reason, Colonel Williams did not partici- 
pate with Sumter in the affair of Houk's defeat, nor in 

* 2d Magnolia, (1843) p, 34. f 12th Ramsay's Uuiv. Uist, 344. 
X 12th Ramsay's Univ, Hist, 418. 



THE AilERICAN EEVOLUTION. 487 

tile battle of Hanging Rock. It is ])robabIe, his anx- 
iety for his family, and the state of affairs in Ninety- 
Six, turned his attention to that quarter, and that he 
was enfya2:ed in visitins; his own fireside, and e^atherin^: 
recruits. In the Magnolia of 1840, 2d vol, p. 35, Major 
McJunkin states, that after the battle of Hanging Rock, 
on the inarch towards Charlotte, Colonel Williams 
joined Sumter. It is probable that his force was not 
sufficiently strong to cope with Colonel Innis, and hence 
that he sought his associate. Colonel Sumter, and ob- 
tained from him the aid which enabled him to turn 
back. He crossed Broad River at Smith's Ford, on the 
evening of the IGth of August, and pressed his march 
■with the accustomed celerity of mounted militia men 
of that time. On the I7th, they heard the dishearten- 
ing intelligence of Gates' defeat, at Gum Swamp, near 
Camden, and Sumter's at Fishing Creek. Still Colonel 
Williams and his brave associates were not dis]30sed to 
falter. Colonel Innis and his troops lay between many 
of them and their homes. At the dawn of day, on 
the 18th of August, 1780, they were in the vicinage of 
Innis' camp. Of this affair, General Moultrie, in his 
Memoirs, 2d vol, 220, thus speaks : " On the 18th of 
February, 1780, he (Colonel Williams) attacked a 
large party of British and tories, at Musgrove's Mills, 
on Enoree river, under the command of Colonel Innis, 
of the South-Carolina royalists, whom he defeated, and 
wounded Colonel Innis." This action, thus summarily 
disposed of by Moultrie, is despatched by Ramsay, in 
his History of South- Carolina, (1st Ram. S. C. 351,) in 
almost the same words, adding, however, that " the 
whole of his (Colonel Innis) party was obliged to 
retire." 

This action deserves a fuller account. Williams had 
about one hundred and fifty, Innis three hundred men. 
Musgrove's Mills, called in Mills' atlas, Gordon's Mill, is 
in the north-east corner of Laurens District, on Enoree 
river. The British forces occupied that position, south 
of the river, and in full command of a rocky, bad ford. 
Williams' command was on the north side of the river. 



488 TEADiTioi«^s AND EEMi]sriscEisrc:fis oi* 

His main body he drew up on a creek, wliicli runs into 
Enoree, just below tlie Spartanburg District line. This 
position was a mile or two from Musgrove's Mill. It 
was both protected and concealed by a wood. His 
little army was drawn up in a semi-circle, and consti^ 
tuted a very pretty ambuscade. His arrangement was 
perfectly simple, and in partizan style. With a few 
picked men, he was to approach the river, show him- 
self to the enemy, fire upon them, induce them to cross 
and pursue, while lie held them in check, firing as he 
fell back to the centre of his ambuscade, and thus bring; 
them entirely within his power. The scheme was ful- 
ly and beautifully executed. Colonel Innis eagerly 
pursued Williams' flying sharp-shooters, and as he ad- 
vanced, the extremities of Williams' semi-circle closed 
behind him. He was thus surrounded, wounded, and 
most of his militia command were taken prisoners. 
Innis, with his regular troops, escaped. Colonel Clary, 
who commanded a detachment of loyalist militia, in 
the action, often related his own escape. His horse, he 
said, was seized, at the same moment, by the opposite 
cheeks of his bridle bit, by two of Williams' soldiers. 
He took advantage of the confusion of the onelee^ with 
great presence of mind. He said to his captors, " Damn 
you, don't you know your own officers?" He was in- 
stantly released, and fled at full speed. 

After the battle at Musgrove's Mill, part of Williams' 
command took post at the Cedar Spring, Spartanburg 
District ; with the residue and his prisoners, he fell back 
(after visiting his family) to Hillsborough, N. C. On 
the 8th of September, 1780, General Nash issued an 
order from Hillsborough, to him, authorising him to 
raise an hundred horsemen, and with them to proceed 
to such parts as he might judge proper. With the 
troops raised under this order, he returned to South- 
Carolina, and was joined; by many South-Carolinians. 
For the old song, called the Battle of King's Moun- 
tain, says, 

" Old Williams from Hillsborough came, 
To him the South-Carolinians flocked amain." 



THE AMEEiCAN EEVOLUTlOK* 489 

With this force, he kept his eye constantly fixed on 
Colonel Ferguson's movements ; for this partizan officer, 
recruiting and drilling the loyalists, had approached to 
the foot of the mountain ; the hardy mountaineers of 
North-Carolina and Virginia were in arms, to prevent 
his crossing. Williams penetrated between him and 
the British posts in South-Carolina, and was continually 
hovering around his camp. The mountaineers were 
collected under Campbell, Cleveland, Shelby and Se- 
vier. According to my recollection of the contents of 
a letter from Colonel Williams, to them, published 
some years ago, he stated that he had traced Ferguson 
to King's Mountain, and to prevent his escape to the 
country below, and junction with Cornwallis, he invi- 
ted them to unite with him in pursuing and attacking 
him. They acceded to his request, and, according to 
my recollection, appointed the Island Ford, on Broad 
River, as the place of rendezvous ; thence they marched 
to the Cowpens. But in the old song, called the battle 
of King's Mountain, I see it is stated that the meeting 
of Williams, with the other independent colonels, was 
at the Cowpens. There they organized for the pursuit 
and battle, by leaving all their inefiicient men, and 
pursuing with nine hundred and ten men, and their 
fleetest horses. They passed near the Limestone Springs, 
and crossed Broad River at the Cherokee Ford, and at 
the dawn of day, on the Tth of October, 1780, they 
were near Ferguson's camp, on King's Mountain. The 
tradition is, that Colonel Williams had, at that time^ a 
brigadier general's commission from Governor Rut- 
ledge. This would have given him the command, as 
the officer highest in rank. If the fact were so, he 
' ^nobly concealed it, and took his station as commandant 
l^ of his own men, among the independent colonels, who 
fought in that action. His command constituted one 
of the attacking columns, by which Ferguson was suc- 
cessively assailed. When last seen, before he received 
his death wound, he was ascending the mountain ; his 
charger had been shot through the mouth, and at every 
step was covering his rider with blood and foam. — • 



490 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

When Colonel Williams was shot, lie had turned to 
his command, and was cheering them onward ; the ball 
fired from the mountain heights, above him, took ef- 
fect just between his shoulders, and ranged downward, 
through his body. He fell within a few feet of Colonel 
Ferguson. Both met their fate at the same moment. 
Colonel Williams was borne from the battle-held, lived 
throughout the succeeding night, and died the next 
morning. He lies a mile or two from the field of his 
own and his companions^ gloiy^ without a stone to 
mark the spot where rests the body of " Old King's 
Mountain Jim," as he is familiarly spoken of, to this 
day. 

In the Orion, of October, 1843, p. 87, in the memoir 
of Major Thomas Young, is found an account of the 
circumstances attending Colonel Williams' death. In 
the main, they correspond with the traditionary ac- 
count from which the preceding is compiled. Some 
additional circumstances may be gleaned from it, and 
therefore it is here given. Major Young says : " On the 
top of the mountain, in the thickest of the fight, I saw 
Colonel Williams fall ; and a braver or a better man 
never died upon the field of battle. I had seen him 
but once before, that day^ — it was in the beginning of 
the action, as he charged by me, at full speed, around 
the mountain ; towards the summit, a ball struck his 
horse just below the jaw, when he commenced stamp- 
ing as if he were in a nest of yellow jackets. Colonel 
Williams threw the reins over the animal's neck, sprang 
to the ground and dashed onward." "They carried 
him," says the major, "into a tent, sprinkled some water 
in his face — he revived, and his first words were: "For 
God's sake, boys, don't give up the hill." 

A letter from his sons, Daniel and Joseph, (who 
were present and in the action,) written to their mo- 
ther, from Colonel Walker's, in North-Carolina, dated 
13th October, 1780, simply states that their father was 
wounded in the battle of King's Mountain, on the 7th 
instant, and died on the 8th, and was buried with the 
honors of war on the 9th. 



THE AJVIERICAN REVOLUTION. 491 

An aged gentleman, who well knew Colonel Wil- 
liams, but wlio was, himself, too young to take any 
part in the revolution, has furnished many of the par- 
ticular facts contained in this memoir. lie reported 
parts of the old song, called the Battle of King's Moun- 
tain, which, as a revolutionary relic, imperfect though 
it may be, is yet worthy of preservation. 

" Old Williams from Hillsborough catne, 

To him the South-Carolinians flocked amain. 
***** 

***** 

We marched to the King's Mount, Campbell was there, 

Shelby, Cleveland and Colonel Sevier : 

Men of renown, sir, like lions so bold, 

Like lions undaunted, ne'er to be controlled. 

We set out on our march that very same night, 

Sometimes we were wrong, sometimes we were right 5 

Our hearts being run in true liberty's mould, 

We valued not hunger, wet, weary nor cold. 

On the top of King's Mountain, the old rogue we found, 

And like brave heroes, his camp did surround ; 

Like lightning the flashes, like thunder the noise, 

Our rifles struck the poor tories with sudden surprise. 

Old Williams, and twenty-five more, 

When the battle was o'er, lay rolled in their gore ; 

With sorrow their bodies we interred in clay, 

Hoping, to heaven, their souls took their way. 

This being ended, we shouted amain. 

Our voice was heard seven miles on the plain ; 

Liberty shall stand — the tories shall fall, 

Here is an end to my song, so God bless you all I" 

Those who have seen the late Colonel James Wil- 
liams, a son of him who fell at King's Mountain, will 
have a better notion of the personal appearance of the 
revolutionary chief, than words can give. But to those 
who never saw the son, we must endeavor to convey 
some notion of the father. He was about five feet nine 
inches high, corpulent — of very dark complexion ; Ins 
hair and eyes were black — his nose was uncommonly 
large, turned up and round at the end — his nostrils, 
when distended by passion or excitement, were so large, 
as to give rise to the coarse jest, uttered by one of his 
militia men, as an excuse for his tardiness at a muster, 



492 Traditions and RiiJtiNiscENCEs of 

" tiie boys (be said) had been hunting, and bad treed 
a 'possum in tbe colonel's nose, and bence be was not 
in attendance." 

He left, at bis deatb, five sons and tbree daughters : 
Daniel, Joseph, John, James, Washington, Elizabeth, 
Mary and Sarah. Of the sons, James and Washington 
only lived to be the fathers of families. The daughters 
married Major John Griffin, James Atwood Williams, 
and James Tinsley. 

Colonel Williams is represented to have been a 
rough, rash man, but, at the same time, of remarkably 
good disposition. He was free in his intercourse with 
all. An example or two may give some notion of him 
in these respects. 

At one time, with an old and favorite negro, he was 
engaged, after night, in clearing up bis store-bouse ; he 
Was holding a torch ; in one corner was a large pile of 
unbroken flax — as tbe negro was removing some stands, 
a large rat sprung by the colonel, and as it plunged 
into tbe flax, he applied his torch to it, exclaiming, 
'' I'll swinge you." In an instant the bouse was in a 
blaze, and in spite of all efforts, was burned tip. The 
colonel patiently submitted to the rebuke of tbe negro, 

who cursed him " for all tbe d d fools" he could 

think of. 

At the l^attle of Musgrove's Mills; he took, as prison- 
er, a very diminutive man, of the name of Saul 
Hinson, who had been under tbe colonel's command, at 
tbe battle of Stono. Riding along tbe ranks after tbe 
battle, and examining the prisoners, he discovered Hin- 
son, and very pleasantly said to him, "Ah, my little 
Sauly, have we caught you ?" " Yes," replied the little 
man, " and no d d great catch either !" Saul's re- 
partee only caused a laugh, and neither tliat nor his 
false position, subjected him to anything beyond tbe 
restraint of a prisoner. 

All who knew him, concurred in ascribing to him 
great personal bravery, and from a review of his con- 
duct at Musgrove's Mills, and in tbe event preceding 
the defeat ot* Ferguson, he is entitled to have it said, 



THE AMEEICAN REVOLUTION. 493 

tliat lie exhibited great partizan skill. Of liim, Gene- 
ral Moultrie says, in his memoir, lie was a brave and 
active officer, and warm in the American cause. He 
raised a large body of men, and frequently attacked 
the British parties.* Ramsay says, in his History of 
South-Carolina, ^' Colonel Williams, of the district of 
Ninty-Six, in particular, was indefatigable in collecting 
and animating the friends of Congress in that settle- 
ment. With these, he frequently harassed the con- 
querors." When he fell, at King's Mountain, the same 
accomplished historian, speaking of the result of the 
battle, says : " The Americans lost comparatively few, 
but in that number was that distinguished officer. Col. 
Williams."t 

His letters to his wife and son, showed that he had 
a deep and sincere piety. In his letter to his wife, of 
the 30th September, 1779, he gives utterance to this 
feeling. He says : " Let us, with humble confidence, 
rely on Iliin^ that is able to protect and defend us in 
all dangers, and through every difficulty ; but, my dear, 
let us with one heart call on God for his mercy, and 
that his goodness may be continued to us, that we, 
under his blessing, may have hopings of enjoying each 
other once more." 

In his letter of the 5th of July, 1780, speaking of his 
anxietv touch ins; his wife and children, and his uncer- 
tainty as to their situation, he says : " But I trust in 
God that his guardian care has been around you for 
your protection. I have earnestly requested the favor 
of heaven on you, which I hope has been the case." 

In a rather apochryphalaccouDtof a visit to Colonel 
Williams, during the revolution, by a missionary, Rev. 
S. B. Balch, one fact is stated, about which I have no 
doubt, and that is, that the colonel and his family ac- 
companied him to the place of worship on Sunday, and 
that " the colonel led the music with as much ease as 
he would have commanded his regiment in the day of 
battle." 

* 2d Moul. Mem. 220. f 1 Ram. S. C. 354. 



494 TRADITIOISrS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

Colonel Williams was a Presbyterian, and like all of 
that faith, liis religion placed him on the side of free- 
dom. He and they thought with John Knox, " that 
if they suffered the twins, liberty and religion, either to 
be infringed or taken from them, they had nothing- 
left them whereby they might be called men." In the 
bloodiest trials and darkest hours of the revolution, 
his faitJi upheld him, and enabled him to say with the 
Psalmist, " The Lord is my light and my salvation, 
whom shall I fear ? The Lord is the strength of my 
life, of whom shall I be afraid ?" 

Colonel Samuel Hammond writes to a fiiend from — 

Bellevale, New Herculancum^ Missouri, Sept. 5fh, 1823. 

Sir: — I feel much mortified at the manner in which Colonel James 
Williams and his family, of your State, have been neglected by all the 
writers, as well as those who ought to have written, on the subject of 
the celebrated and fortunate battle of King's Mountain. That patriotic 
officer died in personal contact with the British commanding officer ; 
both fell at the same moment, and their bones are bleaching together 
on the brow of that hill. Two of his sons were some time after mur- 
dered, after a surrender to a superior force of British militia, under 
command of Colonel Cunningham, near Saluda.* They were all brave 
and unbending patriots, and not a word is yet recorded of them. 

In the various reports of Colonel Williams' death, all agree that he 
and Colonel Ferguson fell within a few feet of each other, and in the 
last of the battle ; Williams was probably the last man that fell in that 
battle. I remember to have heard, in Charlotte, N. C, when a child, 
and not long after the battle, that Colonel AVilliams, seeing Ferguson 
fall, advanced to afford him personal relief and assistance, but that Fer- 
guson, mistaking the intentions of Wilhams, killed him, in the last effort 
of life. 

Captain James Ryan, of Edgefield, was a native of 
Virginia, and removed from that State at an early 
age, to his residence in South-Carolina, where he died. 
He was one of the first settlers of Edgefield District, 
a pioneer in the Avilderness, and was soon called into 
active service. Li the Cherokee war, of 1768, he was 
api)ointed lieutenant in one of the companies, and dis- 
tinguished himself on that occasion by his gallantry 
and good conduct. He always volunteered in the 

* The oldest of them, having inherited his father's pistols, threw them 
into the flames of the burning house, rather than the enemy should pos- 
sess them, at his death. 



THE AMERICAlNr REVOLUTIOlSr. 495 

most hazardous enterprises, and was frequently engaged 
in personal combat with the Indians. He was under 
Colonel A. Williamson, in his expedition against the 
Cherokees, when the declaration of independence was 
made in Charleston, in August, 1776. He assumed 
the standard of honorable resistance, according to that 
declaration, and no temptations could seduce him or 
danger divert him in any reverses of the conflict. 

Having been commissioned captain by the revolu- 
tionary government, he served under Colonel LeRoy 
Hammond, and was engaged in many small but bloody 
skirmishes, not recorded by historians. In the year 
1780, when South-Carolina was considered a conquered 
Province, Captain Ryan, like many other patriots, was 
induced to ask for his parole. But when the British 
authorities, by this act, pronounced him to be a British 
sul)ject, and called upon him to bear arms against his 
neighl)ors and fellow-patriots, he refused, and was ac- 
cordingly arrested and thrown into prison in Cam- 
bridge. From this, he was sent in irons, in company 
with Captain James Butler, James Caldwell, Daniel 
Duff and several others, down to the Provost prison in 
Charleston, and confined in the same cells with culprits 
and malefactors, the vilest characters of the British 
army. As the number of American prisoners and 
British culprits was nearly equal, the weather hot, and 
the cells crowded, the two parties began to quarrel 
and then to fight. Captain By an often said that the 
whigs were giving their opponents a sound beating, 
when relief was sent to them from without. Captain 
Kyan was then, with his companions, put on board a 
prison-ship, and suffered incredible hardships. Many 
died of typhus or jail fever, some Avere exchanged, and 
others eftected their escape. Captain Ryan escaped, 
among others, from the prison-ship, but could not 
evade the vigilance of the sentinels on the lines of 
Charleston. An angry controversy occurred one day, 
between him and some insolent British soldiers, in the 
street. A lady, unseen, had been listening to it, and 
when the soldiers passed on, called Captain Ryan to 



496 TEADITIOJ^S AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

tlie door of lier house. Being a true whig herself, 
she was desirous of promoting his escape, and advised 
that he should go to a sentinel on the lines, and pre- 
tend that he was a rebel deserter, who had been badly 
treated, and wished to enlist, under a British officer, 
into his majesty's service. Ryan immediately went in 
this assumed character, and, after a little careless con- 
versation with the sentinel on this subject, left him, as 
if in search of such an officer. He made three visits 
of this kind to the same sentinel, and then told him 
that he knew a British officer, of reputation, at Monk's 
Corner, with whom he would enlist ; the sentinel sus- 
pecting nothing, wished him good luck, and let him 
pass out. Ryan, of course, did not go to Monk's 
Corner, or return to Charleston, but, in his Avay home, 
went to his old friend and school-mate. Colonel Tho- 
mas Taylor, to whom he was very much attached to 
the end of his life. When he reached the Cons^aree 
river, at Granby, he had increased his party, by meet- 
ing with three others, brothers in misfortune. There 
was neither flat nor canoe, in which they could pass 
the river, and two of the party could not swim a 
stroke. In this difficulty, they constructed a rude raft, 
and Ryan, with the one who could swim, pushed it 
across the river with the other two on it. 

Colonel Taylor had just returned from a scout, re- 
ceived Ryan Avitli characteristic kindness, and assisted 
him on his way homeward, loaning him a horse for the 
purpose. Near the Edisto, Captain Ryan met, unex- 
pectedly, three men, who stopped him. He had no 
doubt of their being tories, and, on being asked who 
he was, assumed the name of a well-known tory in his 
own neighborhood, named Rambo. Holly, one of the 
three, suspected him, and, on searching his person, dis- 
covered his commission. Holly immediately presented 
his gun, and would have killed Ryan, but, with the 
self-possession of a brave man. Captain Ryan asked 
him to wait a moment, and then appealed to his feel- 
ings as a Christian and a man, against such doings. 
Holly felt the justice of this appeal, and relented, but 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 497 

took Ryan to one of the tory camps, where, as he said, 
he knew that Captain Ryan would be put to death. 
The captain of the party, an old man, wished to screen 
Captain Ryan, but Holly and his associates insisted on 
his death ; and, when prevented from executing their 
wishes, followed Captain Ryan out of sight of the 
camp, stripped him of his coat, hat and boots, took 
his horse, and dismissed him barefooted. 

Captain Ryan, however, got home, soon collected 
some of his company, and returned to the British 
camp, to look for his horse and clothes. The tories 
were absent, but an old woman, the wife of the old 
captain, was there, in great distress, who begged Cap^ 
tain Ryan not to injure her, but to give her some food. 
Captain Ryan accordingly killed a beef, and had it cut 
up and salted for her subsistence. Shortly after he left 
the old woman, he fell in with the tory party, and, 
among others, captured Holly. The too common course 
of procedure, at that time, in such cases, was summary 
execution, and Holly was despatched. 

About this time, while part of Lord Rawdon's army 
was retreating from Cambridge, through the fork of 
Edisto, Captain Ryan, with his small company of about 
fifty ragged militia, resolved on the bold attempt to 
attack their rear-guard, and capture their baggage. 
He ordered all, except three or four men, to advance 
on the attack, while these three or four were, by 
sounding their bugles and beating a drum or two, to 
indicate that a much larger force was advancing to the 
battle. This ruse de guerre succeeded perfectly. After 
a severe skirmish, the wagons were captured, with 
abundant supplies of arms, ammunition and clothing, 
which to these men were the necessaries of life. Every 
man of the company was also enabled to take some- 
thing of a prize home to his family, and before a sup- 
posed competent force from the British army could 
reach the scene of action, the baggage wagons were set 
on fire, and the whigs dispersed. Some of them, it 
must be confessed, being very thirsty, had accidentally 
drank a very little of the rum, while others, from a 

32 



498 TRADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

laudable desire " to spoil the Egyptians," had over- 
loaded their horses with other good things, and were 
overtaken in the pursuit. The company was ordered 
immediately to scatter, return to their homes, and again 
to meet at a given time and place. Captain Ryan's 
command, which went from home almost destitute, 
returned to their families well armed, well mounted, 
well clothed and much elated. They were much more 
punctual than usual at the next rendezvous, in hopes of 
equally good luck. 

In the latter part of the year IT 82, while advancing 
with his usual impetuosity, and perhaps too much teme- 
rity, upon a party of tories that were encamped near 
Orangeburg, he I'eceived a musket ball in his shoulder, 
which he carried to his grave. Not at all disconcerted 
or discouraged, although unable to proceed, he ordered, 
with great presence of mind, his first lieutenant, Wil- 
liam Butler, to lead on the attack and continue the 
pursuit. His wound being dangerous and becoming 
painful, he requested to be carried home, where he 
remained until near the close of the war. 

While in this situation and unable to take the field, 
he continued to issue orders and to plan operations 
against the tories. 

At the close of the war in South-Carolina, Captain 
Ryan retired to his plantation on Horse Creek, wdiere, 
by his industry, good management and economy, he 
accumulated a large and valuable estate, which he dis- 
tributed, by will, among his collateral relations, as 
he never had any children of his own. 

Captain Ryan seemed to have little or no ambition 
for office. In fact, being a man of inflexible indepen- 
dence of spirit, he was incapable of entering into the 
intrigues and parties which are too frequently the only 
passports to public appointments. He was a warm 
and constant friend, and an open, undisguised, fearless 
enemy, when conscientiously opposed to any persons 
or to any measures. It may be truly said of him, that 
he never refused to face his enemy, and never turned 
his back upon a friend. 



THE AMERICAN EE VOLUTION. 499 



CHAPTER XV. 



Captain Peter Bacot's rescue — Captain John Starke — Robert Stark — ■ 
Captain Richard Johnson, of Edgefield — Colonel Samuel Hammond, 
of Edgefield — Colonel Thomas Taylor. 

It is well known that cruel treatment and many 
nnmerciful executions, took j^lace in Camden, under 
the order of Lord Rawdon. When he wished to dis- 
pose otherwise of his prisoners, he would send them 
down, in scpads and detachments, to the filthy and 
sickly prison-ships and jails, in Charleston, where the 
hospital, jail, or typhus fever, soon saved him the 
trouble of hanging them. On one occasion, thirty pri' 
soners were sent towards Charleston, under a detach- 
ment of fifty men, commanded by Captain Faust, — he 
and his men all being tories, from the lower part of 
Fairfield, and the upper edge of Richland Districts. 
Of the prisoners, many were horse-thieves and plun- 
derers, who, by not giving the British officers the first 
chance of buying their plunder for a trifie, forfeited 
their patronage and protection. Several were whigs, 
uncompromising and unwavering in their opposition to 
the British aggressions. Of these, only three are the 
principal men in our legend. Captain P. Bacot, from 
Pedee, John Starke, from Congaree, and a Yankee — 
an old continental soldier, whose name is forgotten by 
my informant — united to efiect their liberation. Starke 
was but nineteen years of age, and wounded in his 
thigh. He had a sister married to a tory, keeping a 
public house on the road, below Granby ; and a halt 
being made there for refreshment, Starke found means 
to supply Captain Faust, his officers and men, very 
bountifully with licjuor, which did not set well on their 
stomachs, but mounting upwards in fumes, operated 
on their brains. 



500 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

Captain Faust, in particular, looking back to the 
order of liis men, thought them all to be reeling, and 
called out to them, " steady, boys, steady." Just as he 
began to think seriously of his situation, martial music, 
with the measured tramp of the regulars, was heard 
near their front. The American prisoners, who had 
been flattering themselves with fair prospects of escape, 
now became uneasy ; for, if the drunken state of the 
guard should be discovered, a sober set would be de- 
tached to secure the prisoners, and no chance left for 
escape. Captain Bacot saw the diflSculty, and Mndly 
offered Captain Faust to take his place for the time, 
and exchange names and duties with him. The offer 
was accepted, and the hat, coat and sword of Captain 
Faust, scarcely transferred to Captain Bacot, when 
Colonel Cruger marched up with a large military 
force, escorting supplies and reinforcements to the 
upper stations or British posts. 

Captain Bacot drew up the men on the side of the 
road, gave the order, " present arms," then saluted the 
oflicers as they advanced, and reported himself to Colo- 
nel Cruger, as Captain Faust, of his majesty's loyalists, 
ha\dng the honor to command the escort with rebel 
prisoners to Charleston. Colonel Cruger expressed 
himself well pleased with the answer and deportment 
of the sham captain, complimented him on his capacity 
for the command, and urged him to hurry on, lest the 
night should overtake him in the woods, and many, if 
not all, of his prisoners give him the slip. 

Night did overtake them in the woods, as the tories 
could not keep pace from actual intoxication, and the 
prisoners ivon\ pretended fatigue. They took up their 
quarters for the night, in a deserted log-house, near the 
side of the road, the prisoners being placed in the only 
adjoining room, the door of which opened into the hall, 
and the window into the yard. The hall and fire-place 
were occupied by the drunken tories and the sober 
American officers, over whom they were guards. The 
old soldier — the Yankee sergeant — had been plajdng 
his part very judiciously with a bottle of rum, obtained 



TfiE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 501 

for him by Jolm Starke, for its soothing effects on their 
thirsty guard. He plied those with it who were only 
half drunk, and put to sleep those who were boisterous, 
and capable of being troublesome. The three conspi- 
I'ators named, were the only parties concerned ; the 
other prisoners were not associated with them, and 
knew nothing of their object. When all appeared to 
be asleep, except the sentinels, the Yankee sergeant 
asked the sentinel in the hall for water to drink, but, 
instead of takinsr the 2:ourd from his hand, he struck 
it upwards into his face and eyes, with a plentiful sup- 
ply of water for the powder in his fire-lock. He was 
Instantly secured and gagged ; the other guns were 
secured by the insurgents, and the other prisoners, 
leaping out of the window, were making their escape, 
when one of the outside sentinels fired at them, but it 
only made them run off the faster. This alarm gun 
roused the drunken squad in the hall, who found them- 
selves disarmed and prisoners. Before the sentinel 
who had fired could re-load his piece, the old sergeant 
was before him, with his musket cocked and primed, 
demanding his peaceable surrender ; this was more 
convenient than being killed, and it was accordingly 
done The other sentinel, hearing the commotion in 
the hall, tried to enter it, but was excluded by Starke, 
and also taken prisoner. 

The rescue was thus completed by three resolute 
men, without bloodshed, and the tories sent home 
quietly, on parole. Faust was tried by a court mar- 
tial and sentenced to be shot, but found means to 
escape from Granby, and made his peace with his 
neighbors under the act of amnesty. Starke concealed 
himself in the woods, and was fed by his sister until 
his wound was healed, and then joined Sumter. 

Captain Peter Bacot, of Cheraw, was commissioned 
in the regular ser\ace of South-Carolina, and thus 
became a continental officer. 



502 TRADITIOlSrS AND EEMINISCENCES O? 



CAPTAIN JOHN STARKE. 

This gentleman was a native, we believe, of Kei*- 
shaw or Fairfield District — no relation of the Starks 
of Columbia — not even s])elling their names alike. In 
one of his various skirmishes and battles, he got his 
thigli broke, was made a prisoner, and sent off in a 
wagon to Camden jail. In his way to that place, the 

wagon was driven by a tory, named Jones, who 

not only drove rapidly over a very rough road, with- 
out the smallest consideration for the pain inflicted by 
every jolt of the wagon on the broken limb of Cap- 
tain Starke, but jeered and laughed at his sufferings. 

Starke recovered from his wounds, notwithstanding 
the ill-treatment experienced. He was exchanged, and 
again became an active partisan in the desultory war- 
fare which never ceased until the British were expelled 
from the Southern States. He was called Captain 
Jack Starke, and was usually very active in Sumter's 
various expeditions. Peace was pi'oclaimed, and all 
bis enmities slumbered. In 1824, LaFayette visited 
tbe Southern States, when all Americans united in pay- 
ing their respects and doing him honor. Among other 
compliments of this kind, a corps of old soldiers was 
associated, and Captain Jack Starke elected to com- 
mand them. When LaFayette arrived in Columbia, 
these veterans were his guards, and escorted him to 
Camden. On their way to the latter place, they were 
joined by one who announced himself as an old whig, and 
as such, was received into the ranks. As soon as Starke 
saw him, he recognised Jones, the tory, who had so 
jeered and jolted him on the road to Camden. Under 
any other circumstances, Starke would have forgiven 
Jones for this, after an interval of forty-two or forty- 
three years. But when he found Jones intruding him* 
self among men who had fought for independence, pre- 
tending that he also had done so, all his feelings of the 
revolution were roused ; he cursed Jones for his impu- 



THE AJIEEICAN EEVOLIJTION. 503 

dence^ in pretending to have been a whig, and threat- 
ened to cut his ears off, if he did not immediately quit 
the ranks. 



ROBERT STARK, Esq. 

This gentleman was, we believe, a native of Virginia^ 
a very brave, active and decided whig. His first ap- 
pearance in arms was at the battle of Blackstocks, 
under General Sumter, but in Colonel Thomas Taylor's 
division. He was then but a boy, probably about fif- 
teen years of age, and was said to have run away from 
his mother, for the purpose of joining in such exciting 
scenes, literally without clothing, without arms or other 
equipments. Colonel Taylor reported that he then 
fought with great gallantry, and, after the battle, 
pointing to one of the British soldiers who had been 
killed, he asked permission of his commanding officer 
to strip the dead soldier of his clothes, and appropriate 
them to himself The request was promptly granted, 
the weather being extremely cold. The dead man was 
as promptly undressed, and all but the red coat, fitted 
to the person of young Robert Stark. He afterwards 
became well known throus^hout the State as an emi- 
nent lawyer, one of our best citizens, and Speaker of 
the House of Representatives. He resided many years 
in Columbia, and left a much resj^ected family. 

In the same battle, another lad, of little more than 
Stark's age, first brought himself into notice. He was 
in the thickest of the fight, and was repeatedly seen 
to seize the guns and accoutrements of the dead Bri- 
tish soldiers, and thereby equip himself for a continued 
fire on the enemy. This he kept up as coolly and as 
actively, as if he had been engaged in a game of base- 
ball. This boy was afterwards General James Jack- 
son, of Georgia, one of the most distinguished among 
the many distinguished citizens of that State. In this 
battle, the Georgians were commanded by Colonel 
Clark, father of Governor Clark, the com- 



504 TRADITIONS AND EEmNISCENCES OP" 

petitor with William H. Crawford for the political 
honors and influence of that State. 

Jud2:e Butler has favored me with the following 
memoir of his neighbor : 

Captain Richard Johnson, an intrepid soldier of the 
revolution, had more than common distinction as a 
citizen and member of the legislature. His individu- 
ality of character arose from strong will and open 
purpose. These, with sterling courage, gave him the 
power of impression. His father moved from Vir- 
ginia, and settled near Camelton, on Savannah river, 
in South-Carolina. I am not able to say whether 
Richard was born in Virginia or South-Carolina. At 
the age of sixteen, he was known as a lad of strong 
traits of character. He could not have been more 
than eighteen years old, at the declaration of indepen- 
dence. He was its open advocate at the first, and 
throughout the struggle was firm and consistent in his 
conduct, and active in his exertions. 

Richard Johnson was one of the captains in Colonel 
Samuel Hammond's cavalry, and obtained and held his 
rank by the best of acts, the cordial consent and un- 
wavering support of his men. He had, in a high 
degree, the quality to inspire confidence. He did not 
always agree, if tradition be true, with his commander, 
but was never without the support of his command, 
generally having the right with him. At the battle 
of Eutaw, his conduct attracted especially the notice 
of his comrades. In retreating before the enemy, he 
stopped, as he passed a cannon, and spiked it with a 
nail, which he carried in his pocket. This circum- 
stance has not been generally noticed, as there Were 
many others like it ; but, in speaking of it, Mr. Robert 
Stark used to say it was an act of remarkable self- 
possession and useful gallantry. The retreat, for the 
the time, became the more safe, and another charge 
was more readily performed. 

The captain was a man for the occasion ; and it was 
on the occasion that he showed his true character. 



THE AMEKICAK EEVOtUTIOK. 505 

These are the persons, however, who make the surest 
impressions. 

It is supposed, that when Bill Cunningham made his 
bloody incursion into the up-country, in lYSl, his aim 
was to sur})rise and ca]:)ture Hammond, then stationed 
at Anderson's Mills, on the Saluda. From Cloud's Creek 
to Anderson, his march was marked by both celerity 
and destruction. Burning houses, and blood-stained 
homesteads, indicated the course that he had come, 
but gave no advertisement of where he was going. He 
missed his prey at the mills, as Hammond's command 
was not there when he passed. 

Cunningham, on his return to the lower country, 
had with him about one hundred and fifty men, and 
while feeding on the right bank of the Little Saluda, 
Hammond came upon the opposite bank, with about 
seventy men. The forces being so unequal, Hammond 
determined not to cross then, but to follow on and ha- 
rass the retreating party, until reinforcements could 
arrive. While the two parties were within reach of 
each other, on the opposite sides of the river. Captain 
Johnson called for volunteers, saying, that if thirty 
would follow him, he would make the attack. That 
number did volunteer, and among them was Colonel 
Z. S. Brooks, now alive, in his eighty-third year. As 
Johnson was about to advance, Hammond interfered 
and issued an order forbidding the movement. To 
make the order effectual, he placed himself in the way, 
and gave peremptory orders to halt. There may have 
been good ground for the prudent and proper order 
of the commander, but the men were not satisfied with 
it at the time, and Captain Johnson always condemned 
it. The day after, General Pickens came up, and com- 
manded the pursuit of Cunningham, continuing it as 
far as Orangeburg, but without success. Johnson 
received high praise for the part that he had taken, 
and from that time became a popular favorite; He 
was elected, in 1806, a member of the legislature, and 
continued a member of that body until a short time 
before his death, in 1816. 



606 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

When lie entered the legislature, he had many of 
the prejudices which then pervaded the up-country. He 
opposed the establishment of the South-Carolina Col- 
lege, as a measure that had originated in the aristocra- 
tic designs of aspiring men in the lower country, but 
lived long enough to see and make an open avowal of 
his error. He used to say, that the low-country gentle- 
men, seeing farther than he did, had the policy to edu- 
cate those who were to govern them ; and in this, they, 
for a time, jireserved their influence. They had 
given power to others, but with it a disposition to 
respect themselves. Captain Johnson was a rej)ubli- 
can of the old school, and was an efficient and useful 
member of the legislature. He had a grave manner, 
made but few remarks, but they were always to the point, 
and attracted attention from all parts of the house. At 
one time, it was said that he had as much influence as 
any member of the legislature ; not so much from his 
intelligence, as from his local position and political tone. 
Though laconic in speech, he was bold and unequivo- 
cal in conduct. He seemed to have had a strong 
aversion to long speeches, and generally thought a mem- 
ber good for little else who would speak his hour, espe- 
cially when he was not listened to. He was ra- 
ther a sharp-shooter at extravagant pretensions and 
bombastic rhetoric. The severity of his manner was a 
good deal relieved by a lurking humjr that oozed out 
in his remarks. Intrepidity, directness and energy, 
were the striking traits of his character. He died at 
his residence in Edgefield, in 1817, much respected for 
his private worth, leaving a handsome fortune, but no 
children of his marriage to inherit it. 



1 am indebted to Dr. A. S. Hammond, for the fol- 
lowing memoir of liis father, derived chiefly from his 
own manuscripts. 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTIOlsr. 507 



SAMUEL HAMMOND'S LIFE. 

Samuel Hammond was horn on the 21st September, 
1757, in Riclimond county, Farnham's Parish, Virginia. 
His career of public service was commenced in 1774, 
when but seventeen years of age. He then volunteered 
in an expedition ordered out by Governor Dunmore, 
of Virginia, against the Western Indians, and was en- 

faged in the desperate battle, at the mouth of the Great 
[enhawa River, under the command of General An- 
drew Lewis, on the 10th October, 1774. 

On the breaking out of the revolution, he arranged 
himself on the side of liberty, and was commissioned 
captain of a company of minute-men, or volunteers, at 
the head of which he fought in the battle of Long or 
Great Bridge, near Norfolk, under Colonel Woodford, 
in December, 1775. He also served with the Virginia 
troops in Pennsylvania and New-Jersey, under Colonel 
Mathews, General Maxwell, and others. 

In 1778, he volunteered as aid to General Hand, 
and went to Pittsburg. In January, 1779, he removed 
with his father's family from Virginia, to Edgefield 
District, in South-Carolina, and immediately joined the 
army of the patriots, under General B. Lincoln, ac- 
cording to orders received through General M'Intosh, 
who superseded General Hand in Western Pennsylva- 
nia. When he reported himself to General Lincoln, 
the Virginia troops, among whom he was to have 
served, were about to return, having served out their 
term of eighteen months ; but he remained with Gene- 
ral Lincoln, and served under Col. LeRoy Hammond, 
in Georgia. Having been the aid of General Hand, 
and in command of a volunteer company in Virginia, 
he entered the Southern army with the rank of cap- 
tain, and on the 2d of February received orders from 
General Andrew Williamson to enroll a company of 
mounted volunteers, to be attached to Colonel L. 
Hammond's regiment. He did so, and on the 2d or 
3d of March, 1779, was commissioned by Governor 



608 TRADITIOifS AND REMINISCENCES OP 

Rutledge, captain of that company, and continued in 
service until the surrender of Charleston was known in 
May, 1780. 

During Provost's invasion, Captain Hammond was 
attached to the command of Colonels Henderson and 
Malmudy, and with them w*as engaged in the battle 
of Stono, and in several previous skirmishes. In the 
siege of Savannah, they were placed under the com- 
mand of General Huger, and united with him in the 
gallant attack upon the left of the British lines. He 
then continued under the command of General Wil- 
liamson, until the fall of Charleston, when Williamson 
took protection, with most of his followers. 

S. Hammond, being gratuitously permitted to take 
a part in the councils, his rank and age not justify- 
ing his claim to such participation, protested against 
the decision of the majority, withdrew from them^ 
raised a few choice spirits to the number of seven^ 
ty-six, and determined to seek assistance from the 
north, or die with arms in their hands. Colonel Ham- 
mond does not blame Williamson for the course which 
he adopted, on this occasion, and persons in all that 
neighborhood still living, do not blame him, or join in 
the common outcry of treason. They admit that he 
might have been more energetic, instead of remaining 
three weeks encamped at Cubbard Creek, but he was 
probably honest, at least up to this time. More than 
half that number first collected, withdrew from Ham- 
mond's party, and hid out in the secret places, but were 
afterwards made prisoners of war, sent to the prisons, 
and many of them died there. Thirty-three, including 
S. Hammond, made their retreat good to North-Caro- 
lina. By concealing themselves all day in swamps and 
canebrakes, and travelling all night, they passed Salu- 
da and Bush rivers, and were kindly supplied by T, 
Harvey and Charles Moore, but could hear of no body 
of whigs that they could join. Passing on to the foot 
of the mountains, they came to the house of Calvin 
Jones, another good whig. He was absent, but ]\Irs. 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 509 

Jones was found in great trouble, slie having been ill- 
treated and her house plundered that day by a party 
of tories, ou their way to join the British army. They 
had taken her children's clothes, and her side-saddle, 
which they could not use, and wantonly destroyed 
everything valuable which they could not carry off. 
Mrs. Jones said they were seventy or eighty in number, 
but Hammond's little band, thirty-five in all, deter- 
mined to follow and chastise them, if possible. When 
Mrs. Jones was informed of their resolution, she sent for 
her son, a boy twelve or fourteen years old, to be their 
guide and aid in the pursuit. He joined cordially in 
the expedition, and following the tory trail, they were 
overtaken the next morning when at their breakfast. 
A charge was made upon them, and Plammond's men 
were in the midst of their camp before they knew of 
their approach. All their arms were taken, and most 
of them destroyed ; four of the enemy were killed and 
eleven made prisoners, which were released on parole. 
All of Mrs. Jones' movables were returned to her. 
She supplied the whigs with every refreshment in her 
power, and they went on with increased spirits, having 
a number of captured horses, and a fine supply of am-^ 
munition, &c. 

After a day or two, while broiling their bacon and 
eating parched corn, as a substitute for bread, they 
were alarmed by the sound of horses in a brisk march, 
and soon saw a party advancing on the other side of 
the creek w^here they were encamped. They had come 
within the reach of Hammond's guns before they were 
discovered, and on being hailed, answered, "Friends of 
America !" " So are we," was the reply, " but let us 
know you. Men, stand to your arms." They gave the 
same order, and we paused with guns pointed at each 
other's breast.. Captain Edward Hampton advanced 
with a flag, was well known and cordially Welcomed by 
all of Hammond's men. He and his party, actuated by 
the same zeal and attachment, had adopted the same 
resolution, pursued the same course with them, and 



510 TRADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

were now united. Pursuing their course, tliey soon 
came on the trail of a party supposed to be as numer- 
ous as their own, and their enemies. They determined 
to attack them, and quickened their march. After an 
hour's pursuit, they discovered a horse on the trail and 
a man lying down with the bridle in his hand ; he was 
sound asleep. They surrounded and hailed him ; he 
leaped up and boldly replied, " Friend to America, if I 
die for it !" His name was Harris, and he informed 
us that he belonged to Colonel E. Clarke's command, 
who was not far ahead ; that he had been overcome 
with fatigue, and want of sleep, and had dropped from 
the line to take a nap, and would rejoin him soon. 
They joined Clarke the same evening, and found that 
they now exceeded two hundred men, but being out of 
provisions, determined to continue their route to the 
frontier, and return when fed and rested. 

On their arrival in North-Carolina, they were in- 
formed of several parties of whigs, who, like them- 
selves, had crossed into that State. One of them was 
commanded by Colonel Sumter, one by Colonel James 
Williams, and one by Colonel T. Brandon ; and that 
General McDowal, of North-Carolina, had assembled a 
considerable number of militia, not tar distant from 
their resting place. Expresses were sent to each of 
those officers, with information of the numbers and in- 
tentions of Hammond's party, and they were joined 
here by Captains M'Call and Liddle, of Colonel Pick- 
ens' regiment, who had under them a small detachment. 
Having sent back a small detachment to obtain intel- 
ligence of the enemy, it was agreed that all should re- 
turn into South-Carolina, under the command of Colo- 
nel Clarke, to annoy the enemy as much as possible, to 
give opportunity to their friends to join them, and re- 
ceive more steady and effectual support from the North. 
Without detailing other circumstances, it is sufficient 
to say, that from that time to the evacuation of Charles- 
ton, in December, 1782, Samuel Hammond was con- 
stantly in service, and in command above the rank of 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 511 

captain. He was witli Colonels Williams, Clarke and 
Shelby, in the battle of Musgrove's Mills, on the Eno- 
ree Kiver, the 18th or 20th of August, 1Y80; the Bri- 
tish were defeated, the commanding officer. Colonel In- 
nis, wounded. Major Fraser" killed, and a number of 
prisoners taken. On the battle-ground, information 
of General Gates' misfortune, and of Sumter's defeat, 
was received ; a hasty retreat with the prisoners was 
made necessary, and they were marched night and day, 
to Charlotte, in North-Carolina, where Major Ander- 
son, of the Maryland line, was encamped with a few 
continental troops, who made their retreat from the 
battle of Camden to that place. Here the prisoners 
were placed in the charge of S. Hammond's company, 
taken to Hillsboro', and delivered to General Gates' 
order. At Hillsboro', S. Hammond received from 
Governor Rutledge, the brevet commission of major, 
with orders to take command of all the refugees, as 
they were then called, belonging to Colonel LeRoy 
Hammond's regiment of militia, and others who were 
or might come into service, S. Hammond also apj^lied 
to the Board of War, of North-Carolina, for an order on 
the commissaries and quarter-masters on the western 
frontier, for a supply of provisions and stores, to such 
of the South-Carolina and Georgia militia as misfht as- 
semble for service ; and obtained from Mr. Penn, he 
believes, president of the board, the requisite order. 
Upon the return of Major S. Hammond to the neigh- 
borhood of Salisbury, he formed a company, and ad- 
vertised in various public places, that he had made 
suitable provisions for recruits. That notice drew to- 
gether a number of Georgians and South-Carolina men, 
who were the greater part of Colonel James Williams' 
command, at the battle of King's Mountain, in which 
several of them were killed and severely wounded. 
Immediately after that battle, S. Hammond was joined 
by a number of the citizens of Ninety-Six, and of the 
regiment to which he had been appointed major. 
They had joined Colonel Clarke while he was at Au- 



512 TRADITIONS AND REMNISCENCES OF 

gusta, and came away witli liim, and witli tliat addition 
to his command, he marched as expeditiously as prac- 
ticable, joined General Davidson, and acted a short 
time under the command of Colonel Davjf, upon the 
reti'eat of Lord Cornwallis from Charlotte towards 
Catawba. 

Soon after this, Major S. Hammond joined General 
Sumter, and was with him in the battle of Blackstocks, 
about the 20th November, 1780. General Sumter was 
wounded in that affair, Avhich for some time deprived 
the country of his services. During that time, S. Ham- 
mond joined Colonels Clarke, Twiggs and Fiew, of 
Georgia, and with them visited the neighborhood of 
Ninety-Six, where an engagement took place between 
a detachment of Georgians and Carolinians, commanded 
by Colonel Clarke, and a party of British and tories, 
near Long Canes, in which Clarke lost a number of 
good men, and being overpowered by superior force, 
was compelled to retreat. Major S. Hammond, at this 
time, was out on command, with a small detachment, 
and was left without notice of the battle or retreat. 
He, however, made good his retreat, and passed on to 
Saluda and Bush liiver. Here he fell in with and 
joined Colonels William Washington and McCall, and 
was in several skirmishes with them, and going thence 
with them the day following, joined General Morgan. 

In the battle of Cowpens, on the 17th of January, 
1781, Samuel Hammond commanded as major, the left 
of the front line, and on the same day was detached, 
by order of General Morgan, with a small proportion 
of his own men, selected for the purpose, to reconnoi- 
tre the British army, then lying north of Broad Biver, 
some distance below the Cowpens, which service he 
performed, and continued to watch the movements of 
the enemy, communicating daily to Generals Pickens 
and Morgan what information he obtained, and be- 
lieved to be useful, until Cornwallis arrived at Ram- 
sour's Mills, and he had obtained information of the 
burning of their heavy baggage, &c. He then joined 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION". 513 

General Greene on tlie nortli side of Catawba river, 
remained witli liini upon his retreat for several days, 
when he was attached to General Pickens' command, 
and passed with him to the rear of the British army ; 
with the best mounted men of the general's command. 
Major S. Hammond was ordered to watch their move- 
ments upon their march. This service he performed, 
and continued to see them every day, and sometimes 
two or three times a day, until returning from the pur- 
suit of General Greene, the British army took up camp 
near the town of Hillsboro'. He saw their guards sta- 
tioned at different points, then returned and rejoined 
General Pickens, and the night following was detached, 
in conjunction with Colonel McCall, and surprised and 
took a piquet guard, at Harley's, in full view of the 
British army. The prisoners taken, were safely con- 
ducted to General Greene's army, and Major S. Ham- 
mond was ordered to escort them to Virginia ; from 
which service he returned to General Greene, a few 
days before the battle of Guilford, and a few days 
after that affair was ordered to join General Pickens, 
who had been previously ordered with his command 
south of the Catawba river. It may be here worthy 
of remark, that Captain Samuel Hammond, when he 
refused to capitulate with General Williamson's army, 
and left South-Carolina, with a few volunteers, in 1780, 
did not command them under the commission of Gover- 
nor Rutledge, which might have been questioned in 
another State ; but by the advice of Colonels Williams, 
Clarke and Shelby, an election for officers was held 
by these volunteers. S. Hammond having been unani- 
mously elected captain of a volunteer company, his 
right to command them was unquestionable, and the 
men were regularly enrolled and re-enlisted from time 
to time, until he was promoted to the rank of major. 
From the fall of Charleston, until the enrolment of his 
regiment in September, 1781, neither Samuel Ham- 
mond, nor any of his citizen soldiers, called for or sub- 
scribed to a pay-roll. They furnished themselves as 
weU as they could, with their own clothing, (often very 

33 



514 TRADITIONS AND EEI^IINISCENCES OF 

scant,) with their own arms, horses and provisions, the 
last of which were frequently very scarce.* 

Soon after he rejoined General Pickens, he was or- 
dered to inarch with about one hundred men, to the dis- 
trict of Ninety-Six, to invite the citizens of that place 
to join their friends in arms, and aid in expelling their 
enemies. Major James Jackson, of Georgia, joined S. 
Hammond, being charged to pass into Georgia for si- 
milar purposes. Passing through Ninety-Six District, 
they arrived on the Savannah river, near Pace's Ferry, 
(the day and date not now remembered,) they were 
joined by Captain Thomas Kee, of Colonel LeRoy 
Hammond's reo:iment, with a number of men, not now 
remembered. Next day, detached Captain Kee to at- 
tack a party of tories, assembled under Captain Clarke, 
at his residence, on Home's Creek. Clai-ke was killed, 
and the company all made prisoners; and they then 
marched to Colonel L. Hammond's mill, on Savannah 
river, attacked a British fort there, broke up the mill, 
and took all the provisions belonging to the enemy. — 
Joined by between two and three hundred men, from 
LeRoy Hammond's regiment, and, in a few days, that 
number was so far increased, as to justify Major S. 
Hammond in .-detaching a part with Major Jackson, to 
cross to Georgia, and acting in concert, they, in a few 
days after, commenced the siege of Fort Cornwallis and 
Grierson, in Augusta. The Georgia militia, to a con- 
siderable number, had been drawn near Augusta, by 
Colonels Baker, Starke and Williamson, ])ut on Jack- 
son's arrival it was unanimously agreed, by officers and 
men, that he should take command until the arrival of 
Colonel E. Clarke, whose wounds yet detained him from 
service. Maj. S. Hammond remained with these detach- 
ments, all under General Pickens, aiding in the reduction 
of the forts under Colonel Thomas Browne, at Augusta; 
after which, Hammond became a lieutenant-colonel. 
When Colonel Lee arrived with the regulars of his 

* Colonel Haminond, on more than one occasion, used bis own pro- 
perty for the purchase of horses, to mount the recruits in his regiment, 
and sold his negroes to raise the money for their equipment. 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 515 

legion, at Augusta, Browne capitulated, and Hammond, 
witli the other troops under Pickens, marched and joined 
General Greene, in the siege of Ninety-Six. On the 
advance of Lord Rawdon, the siege was raised, and 
Hammond ordered to retreat under General Pickens, 
westward of that place, and then turning, northeast- 
wardly, to rejoin General Greene, on the Congaree, be- 
low Broad river. 

Lieutenant-Colonel S. Hammond continued actively 
employed as a partizan, until the battle of Eutaw, on the 
8th September, 1781. The part acted by him in that 
hard fought battle, is recorded in history. On the lYth 
of the same month, he was appointed to the command 
of a regiment of cavalry, by Governor Rutledge, and 
instructed to raise and equip it immediately, like that 
of Maham's, for three years, or the war. A number of 
Hammond's State troops, who had long served under 
him as volunteers, now enrolled themselves in his regi- 
ment. With these and a portion of Colonel LeRoy 
Hammond's militia, he remained in service under Gene- 
ral Greene, until preliminaries of peace were signed and 
announced. Being then encamped with General 
Greene's army, at Bacon's Bridge, near Charleston, 
he received orders to discontinue recruiting for his new 
regiment ; and in a little time after this, the greater 
part of them were discharged. Previous to this, how- 
ever, two companies of his regiment, one under Captain 
Richard Johnson, the other under Captain George 
Hammond, were detached under General Pickens, 
against the Cherokee Indians. These, also, were dis- 
charged on their return from this very successful expe- 
dition, most of them having been but ten months in 
service. 

Colonel Hammond has left among his papers various 
notes, in his own hand-writing, which illustrate and 
describe the battles and expeditions in which he was 
engaged, more perfectly than any that I have met with. 
I append copies of several of his narratives. 



516 TRADITION'S AND REMINISCENCES OF 

[ Colonel Samuel Hammond'' s Notes^ 
BATTLE OF CEDAR SPRINGS, IN SPARTANBURG DISTRICT. 

In July, 1*780, Colonel E. Clarke having passed 
through South-Carolina, northwardly, detached Samuel 
Alexander with a few men towards Ninety-Six, to ob- 
tain intelligence of the strength and movements of the 
British forces, with intent to visit and inspect their 
lines, if they should be any where found assailable, 
with such a force as Clarke commanded. Alexander 
returned, having discovered and reconnoitred a body 
of tory militia, said to be commanded by Colonel Fer- 
guson. Their numbers not being ascertained, were 
variously reported from two to five hundred ; that they 
were recruiting for the horse service, and were com- 
pelling many of the citizens to join them, who had 
been paroled and promised a peaceable residence in 
their own homes. Upon this information, Colonel 
Clarke proposed to march immediately into that neigh- 
borhood, scout round the camp, and afford an opportu- 
nity to the whigs of joining with their friends, which 
many would do, if pushed by the British from the 
peaceable occupation of their homes. This proposition 
was approved by all the officers present, and was im- 
mediately acted upon. About sunset, after mustering 
and preparing arms, Clarke, with the Georgia volun- 
teers, joined by McCall, Liddle and Samuel Hammond, 
mustering in all one hundred and sixty-eight men, 
marched chiefly through the woods and bye-paths on 
this expedition. The next day he obtained further 
intelligence of a scouting party of the tories, some dis- 
tance in advance of Ferguson's station, and determined 
to give them a brush. He pushed on, fiiled to sur- 
prise them as expected, but pursued them within 
half a mile of their camp. Passing round the camp, 
two or three miles in their rear, found all in mo- 
tion, and retired along the road v\^hich leads from 
Bobo's Mills towards Berwick's Iron Works ; here he 
recruited eighteen men. He stopped at Captain Dil- 



THE AlVIEEICAN REVOLUTION. 51 7 

lard^s, who was witli us as a volunteer, got some milk 
and potatoes — none dismounted. Here it was con- 
cluded to take a bye-path, cross over to a road leading 
from Ninety Six by Green or Cedar Springs, to Woods' 
settlement, near the iron works, which was done accord- 
ingly. We marched sixteen or eighteen miles to Green 
Springs. No horses were unsaddled ; every man rested 
with his bridle in his hand, and videts out under orders, 
that if they should see or hear any horses coming to- 
wards the camp, not to hail them, but run in and give 
notice, without noise. About half an hour before day, 
a woman came in full gallop to one of the videts, who 
conducted her to Colonel Clarke. She told him to be 
in readiness, either to fight or fly, as the enemy would 
be upon him, and they were strong. Every man was 
in an instant up and prepared, and the enemy entered 
our camp in full charge. They were met firmty, hand 
to hand ; it was so dark, that it was hard to distinguish 
our friends from our enemies. The battle was warm 
for fifteen or twenty minutes, when the enemy gave 
way, and were pursued nearly a mile. We returned 
to the battle-ground, took off all the wounded, and 
retreated by the iron works towards North-Carolina. 

In this affair, the British lost twenty-eight of Dunlap's 
dragoons, who were left dead on the field, besides six or 
seven tory volunteers, who were with him, and several 
who fell in the road, upon their retreat. Clarke had 
four killed and twenty-three wounded, most of them 
with the broad sword. Major Smith, of Georgia, a 
brave, intelligent and active ofiicer of Clarke's regi- 
ment, was killed in the pursuit by a rifle ball. Colo- 
nel Clarke received a severe wound on the head. Colo- 
nel Kobertson — a volunteer — Captain Clark, and seve- 
ral other ofiicers, were wounded in the same way. 
Captain Dunlap commenced the attack ; he had sixty 
well equipped dragoons and one hundred and fifty 
volunteer mounted riflemen. About two miles below 
the battle-ground, Dunlap, in his retreat, was met by 
Ferguson ; their joint forces, nearly all tories, amounted 
to between four and six hundred. They advanced to 



518 TEADITIONS AND EEl\irNISCENCES OF 

Berwick's Iron Works ; one or two of our wounded 
were left there, and fell into their hands. They were 
well treated by Colonel Ferguson, and were left there 
by him. Clarke and his little band returned to North- 
Carolina for rest and refreshment ; the whole of this 
enterprise haviug been performed without one regular 
meal, and without regular feed for their horses. 

Mrs. Dillard, who had given our party milk and 
potatoes the day before this battle, stated that Fer- 
guson and Dunlap, with their party of tories, came 
there on the next evening. They inquired after 
Clarke's party, their numbers, &c., <^c., and she gave 
them as little information as possible. They ordered 
her to prepare supper for the officers with despatch; and 
while she was so employed, she heard one of the tory 
officers tell Ferguson that he had just been informed 
that the rebels, under Clarke, were to encamp that night 
at the Green or Cedar Springs. It was immediately 
resolved to attack them that night, and Mrs. Dillard's 
husband being with Clarke, she resolved to give them 
notice of it. As soon as she could set out the supper, 
she slipped off to the stable, bridled a young horse, 
and, without a saddle, galloped off to apprise Clarke 
of his danger, under an impression that the enemy 
were too numerous to justify a battle with them. She 
arrived just in time, for Dunlap had been sent forward 
by Ferguson, with orders to attack and detain us, until 
he should come up with the remainder. Dunlap had 
advanced rapidly, and charged soon after we had 
paraded and were ready for his reception. The lady 
returned home in safety, and deserves well of her 
country. 

The credit of giving this seasonable notice to the 
Americans, has also been claimed for Mrs. Thomas, the 
heroic mother of Colonel J. Thomas, Junr., and no 
doubt with reason ; they both did it. With such 
patriotic matrons, and with a peasantry who refused 
to take protection, or acknowledge submission to the 
British forces, well may this district be designated 
Sjjartanburg ! 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTIOISri 519 



tJOLONEL SAMUEL HAMMOND'S ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLE OF 
MUSOROVES MILLS, ON THE ENOREE, 19th AUGUST, 1780. 

Before this affair a few clays, Colonels Williams and 
Bratton, of Soutli-Gai'olina, Colonel Clarke, of Geor- 
gia, Colonel Isaac Shelby, of tlie Virginia or Holston 
settlement, McCall, Hammond and Liddle of the 
Ninety-Six brigade, formed a junction in the State of 
North-Carolina, near General McDowaPs rendezvous, 

' county. General McDowal was consulted on 

the propriety of making an excursion into South-Caro- 
lina, to look at the enemy, and to commence opera- 
tions against their out-posts, if they should be found 
assailable with our force. The general countenanced 
the proposal, and stated that he would co-operate with 
us, if he saw any opportunity for doing good by the 
joint force. Two active and enterprising men were 
sent in, to look at and obtain intelligence as to the 
position of the outposts of the enemy nearest to us. 
Having received infoi'ination from those men that 
there Avas a party at Musgrove's Mills, on Enoree river, 
that was altogether tories, and not over two hundred 
in number, it was determined to march v/ith all possi- 
ble despatch to attack them. Information was given 
to General McDowal, and our little band was put in 
motion. We marched twenty or twenty-five miles, on 
the 16th ; halted and fed and refreshed for an hour, and 
after dark set out upon our march again. In the 
course of the night, Colonel Bratton turned off the 
line of march, intending to pass through his own 
neighborhood, and to fall in with us again before day. 
This was injudicious in every point of view, for it 
afforded more than a double chance to the enemy of 
gaining intelligence of our approach, and a probability 
of our not falling in with them, or of their aiding us 
in the affair ; and this proved to be the case, for they 
did not rejoin us until the affair was over. General 
McDowal advanced a few miles, but declined joining 
in the enterprise. Our march was silently and skil- 
fully conducted, and we arrived near the post about 
daylight. It was agreed by Colonels Williams, Shelby 



520 TRADITIONS AND REMIXISCENC^ OF 

and Clarke, that the command should be conjoint ; the 
plan of operations was agreed npon ; and, as the pre- 
cise situation of the enemy's camp had not been clearly- 
discovered, it was determined to halt half a mile from 
the place, and send in two men to be relied upon, to 
reconnoitre the post and obtain the information wanted. 
They performed the duty- — saw the situation of the 
enemy — found them on the opposite side of the river 
from our position, and, unfortunately, on their return, 
fell in with and were fired upon by a patrol of the 
enemy. Thus disappointed in the hope of surprising 
them, it was resolved to send in sixteen well mounted, 
expert riflemen, to fire at the enemy, and draw them on 
to attack us upon the hill. This was done ; our horses 
were picketed three hundred yards in the rear beyond 
the hill, and we were formed a little upon the descent, 
towards the enemy, Each colonel took his station to 
command his own men. The sixteen sent out, were, 
in retreating, to fall on the left flank of the enemy, 
and from their horses keej:) up a fire upon them. As 
they advanced, this command was united to Captain 
Shadrick luman, of Georgia — a like number placed on 
the right flank, with the same orders. There were 
sixteen men left, also, as a main guard, on our horses ; 
this reduced our whole eflfective force, including officers, 

to about men. These were placed in one line, 

in scattered or open order, and were ordered not to 
fire until the enemy were within fifty yards, and also 
to be governed by a single shot from Colonel Shelby ; 
to be steady and take good aim. Being thus prepared, 
the enemy were drawn out. They came, flushed with 
the hope of an easy victory, in full trot. A rein- 
forcement had joined them the day before, of which 
we had no information ; Colonel Innis and Major 
Fraser, with one hundred and fifty regulars — York 
volunteers — had joined the tories. 

They advanced in three columns — the regulars, com- 
manded by Major Fraser, in the centre — the militia on 
the right and left. Advancing, at the distance of one 
hundred and fifty yards, they displayed and gave us a 



>n 



THE AMERICAN BEVOLtTTION. 



521 



fire, whicli was not returned hut from our flanking 
parties. Tliey then advanced with trailed arms ; then- 
columns displayed, and were allowed to come^ within 
forty yards, when the signal was given, and their ranks 
thinned. They fell back, and before a second fire they 
formed and again advanced. On the second fire, they 
fell back in confusion. The fire then became brisk, 
and was kept up on our side. The tories saw the regu- 
lars fall back in disorder, and they also gave ground 
in confusion, and in fact without any thing like pres^ 
sure on our part. 

Our troops, encouraged by this disorder, rushed on 
with more boldness than prudence. The mounted 
riflemen on both flanks charged into the ranks of the 
retreating foe, and they fled and re-crossed the river in 
great disorder. On our part, we were so scattered 
and out of order, that it was determined to halt, form, 
and send for our horses to cross the river. _ This caused 
a necessary pause, during which we received informa- 
tion, by express, that General Gates had been defeated 
and' his army dispersed ; that Colonel Sumter, after 
much success, had been overtaken by the enemy, and 
also defeated and his army dispersed ; and to crown 
all, that Colonel Ferguson was advancing towards us, 
and within a few miles, with a considerable force. 
Thus circumstanced, we were compelled to give over 
further pursuit, and seek our own safety by a hasty 
retreat. 

The result of this little affair was a clear speck m 
the horizon, which would have been otherwise very 
much overcast. We had one captain— S. Inman — a 
brave man and good oflicer, with four men killed and 
eleven men wounded. The British lost Major Fraser, 
and eighty-five men killed ; Captain Innis and several 
other ofiacers wounded, the number not known. One 
captain of regulars, two captains of tories, and seventy- 
three privates — mostly York volunteers— were taken 
prisoners. Our retreat was hasty, and continued, with- 
out halting, day or night, to feed or rest, for two days 
and nights. We entered North-Carolina, and passed 



622 TRADITIONS AKD REMINiSCENCES OF 

down towards Charlotte witli our prisoners. Colonel 
Shelby left us near Greenville, and we encamped near 
Charlotte, with a few continental troops who had 
escaped from Gates^ defeat. We made a stand here, 
to collect more men from the defeat, and form for a 
further expedition. Here the prisoners were commit- 
ted to Major S. Hammond, while Colonels Williams 
and Clarke returned to the western frontier of South- 
Carolina. The prisoners were conducted to Hillsboro' 
and delivered up there. This little aftair, trifling as 
it may seem, did much good in the general depres- 
sion of that period Our numbers continued to increase 
from that time, and all seemed to have more confi- 
dence in themselves. 



THE BATTLE OF BLACKSTOCKS, NOVEMBER 30th, 1780. 



BY COLONEL SAMUEL HAMMOND. 



To have a clear understanding of this transaction, 
and of its influence on the success of our revolution, 
we must recollect that there were three distinct com- 
mands of the militia, in the northern portion of South- 
Carolina. The lower under Colonel Marion, the mid- 
dle under Colonel Sumter, and the upper or western, 
commanded sometimes by Colonel James Williams, 
and, after his death, by Pickens, sometimes by Colonel 
Clarke and Colonel Twiggs, of Georgia. This division 
of our forces, being all militia, was caused by the local 
residences, families and attachment of the citizens 
to their own interests. Under Sumter were collected, 
not only the patriots of the middle and north-eastern 
parts of the State, but most of the South-Carolinians 
who had retired to North-Carolina when the British 
overran their State. Under Clarke and Twiggs, of 
Georgia, the patriotic Georgians united with the com- 
mand nearest to their own homes, and gave very effi- 
cient aid to Williams, Pickens, Hammond and others. 

In this state of things, after a bold excursion had 



THE AMEBIC Ai^ EEVOLUTtOS-. 52 B 

been made "by the western volunteers towards Ninety- 
Six, under the command of Colonel Twiggs, it was 
determined in council to carry all our little force from 
the west, and join Sumter, in whose patriotism and fit- 
ness for command full confidence was placed by all 
parties. Under this determination, Colonels Twiggs, 
Clarke and Candler, of Georgia, Colonels Thomas and 
Bratton, and Majors McCall and Hammond, of South- 
Carolina, joined Colonel Sumter ten or fifteen days 
before the battle of Blackstocks, in hope to give 
more substantial effect to the operations of the little 
militia band, against the common enemy ; with an um 
derstanding that wherever the best opportunity pointed 
itself for serving the cause, without regard to localityj 
that should govern the commanding colonel. 

With this additional force. Colonel Sumter passed 
on, " quick march," down the country, between Broad 
river and the tributary streams of Saluda. Intelli- 
gence to be depended on was obtained, that a large 
quantity of provisions was deposited for the British 
army, at Summers' Mills, under a small guard, and 
also that a party of British militia or tories were sta- 
tioned at a Captain Faust's, upon the waters of ^ 

To obtain information of the movements of our enemy, 
and, if possible, to get possession of and bring away 
or destroy the provisions stored at Summers', Colonel 
Thomas Taylor, of South-Carolina, and Colonel Can- 
dler, of Georgia, were despatched down the country 
with this object in view, and with discretional orders 
to suit the circumstances of the times and things. 
At the same time, Lieutenant-Colonel Williamson, of 
Clarke's regiment, of Georgia, and Major S. Ham- 
mond, were detached towards Captain Faust's to 
attack, and, if possible, to break up that station. 
While these two detachments were out on the duty 
assigned to them. Colonel Sumter received intelligence 
that Tarleton had returned from below, and was mak- 
ing a forced march to gain the rear of the Americans. 
Retreat became necessary, but this retreat was not 



624 TRADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES Of 

hurried, tliat Williamson and Taylor miglit liave time 
to rejoin the main body under Sumter. 

Williamson failed in his enterprise, in consequence 
of the hasty removal of the enemy, and rejoined Sum- 
ter on the clay before the l)attle. Taylor and Candler 
were yet in the rear, with a host of the best spirits in 
our little ai'my. Sumter reluctantly halted, refreshed 
his men and horses, in about half a mile of Black'^ 
stock's field. I say reluctantly, for although the men 
and horses stood in the greatest need of such refresh- 
ment, yet the certain intelligence that the enemy's 
superior forces were briskly following his trail, urged 
his going forward. The safety of Colonel Taylor and 
his party decided him to suspend his retreat. The 
horses and men having fed hastily, the line of march 
was resumed, and when Blackstock's house was in 
view, our rear videts fired at the advancing cavalry of 
the enemy. Colonels Taylor and Candler at that mo- 
ment drove in with their wagons loaded with flour, 
(tfec, passed our rear guard, and entered the open field 
at Blackstock's. At the next moment, Tarleton's le- 
gion charged on our rear guard, but Taylor and his 
escort were safe. Sumter being charged in his retreat 
was awkwardly situated, but he soon formed his com- 
mand with an advantageous position, on the heights 
near and at Blackstock's houses. In forming for battle, 
he was ably and actively assisted by Major James 
Jackson, of Georgia, acting as a volunteer aid and as 
brigade-major. Blackstock's houses were on the right 
of the British, and north-east of them. In front of 
the buildings, a small branch of Tiger river passed 
through the field, margined by small bushes, but not 
obstructing the view of the British movements from 
the hill. This water-course formed a half moon, 
with its concavity towards the enemy, and the lidge 
corresponded with this shape of the branch. Sumter 
had the houses filled with his troops, and there beiug 
a strong new fence on each side of the road, these 
afforded a tolerable cover to the most of his men. 
The rest were posted on the ridge, from one hundred 



THE AMERICAlSr REVOLUTIOI!^. 525 

to one hundred and fifty yards west of tlie branch or 
ravine. 

In this position the British commander found Sum- 
ter, when ready to advance upon him. The infantry 
were formed in front of the houses beyond the ravine, 
in an open field, with their left upon the road, and 
their right flanked by a fence and skirted by thick 
wood not far from the river. Thus placed. General 
Sumter ordered Colonel Clarke, of Georgia, to take one 
hundred good men, pass the enemy's right, then formed 
in the open field, and in cover of the woods, attack the 
infantry in the rear, and cut off, if practicable, the 
horses there piqueted ; and to attack and annoy them 
in the rear, as soon as the action should commence. 
This order was promptly obeyed by Colonel Clarke 
and Colonel Candler, of Georgia, who, just coming in 
with Taylor, volunteered on that service, as did Major 
Hammond, with his command. 

The British advanced with their horses along the road, 
followed by their infantry, and the action commenced. 
The riflemen, under cover of the hog-pens, and those 
behind the fence, received them with becoming firm- 
ness, and fired with extraordinary activity and spirit. 
Sumter's right extending along the ridge, advanced 
upon the flank of the British ; they soon sounded a re- 
treat, and were hurrying from the field. When this 
retreat was ordered, Clarke and Hammond had at- 
tacked the infantry in the rear, and taken a part of 
their horses ; but the whole retreating British force 
coming up, the}^ were compelled to retire, and only 
carried off a few infantry horses, and cut loose a num- 
ber of others. It was now dark, and Clarke being in 
doubt as to Sumter's situation, retreated before the 
British until next morning. Sumter was severely 
wounded in the breast, before the British retreated, 
and was taken from the field. The command was then 
assumed by Colonel Twiggs, of Georgia, and termina- 
ted with the spirit and good order with which it was 
commenced — gloriously. 

After taking possession of the battle-ground, col- 



526 TRADITIOl^S AKD REMINISCENCES OF 

lecting the dead, and taking care of tlie wounded, 
the little army passed over Tiger river, and continued 
their course westwardly. Colonel Candler had one 
horse killed under him, and Major Hammond had two 
killed under him, but they remounted on the infantry 
horses taken in that affair, from the enemy. Clarke 
did not extricate himself from this retreat in the dark, 
until he came in sight of the camp-fires, kindled by 
Tarleton's advancing reinforcement. He then wheeled 
from the main road, crossed the Tiger river, and re- 
joined Sumter about noon the next day. Clarke had 
only two men wounded, but not badly — they were 
taken off in safety. Tarleton's retreat was precipitate, 
but not irregular. His cavalry was in the rear. Sum- 
ter had about five hundred and sixty men in this action, 
exclusive of the main and horse guard. About forty 
of this number ran away, and were over the Tiger 
river before the battle ended. 

General Sumter, although badly wounded, continued 
with his troops, carried on an uncomfortable litter, un- 
til they passed Berwick's iron works ; after which, his 
command was divided. A part continued with the 
general as an escort, until they reached North-Carolina, 
while the Georgians, commanded by Twiggs, Clarke, 
Candler and B. Fiew, turned westward, and in a few 
days marched towards Ninety-Six, taking their course 
along the foot of the mountains. 



BATTLE OF THE COWPENS. 



BY COLONEL S. HAMMOND. 



On the evening of the 16th January, 1781, General 
MoT'gan encamped near a place called the Cowpens. 
The author of these remarks, being then out with a de- 
tachment, did not join the camp until 8 o'clock in the 
evening, when he was informed by the general, that he 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 527 

intended to give the enemy battle next morning, if Le 
should press hard upon him. The ground on which 
the troops were placed, was a small ridge, crossing the 
road nearly at right angles. A similar ridge, nearly 
parallel with this, lay between three hundred and five 
hundred yards in his rear. The valley between was 
made by a gentle slope ; it was, of course, brought with- 
in range of the eye ; passing from one to the other 
ridge, the land was thicldy covered with red oak and 
hickory, with little if any underbrush. The valleys 
extending to the right of the general's camp, termina- 
ted in a small glade or savanna. 

Orders had been issued to the militia, to have twen- 
ty-four rounds of balls prepared and ready for use, be- 
fore they retired to rest. A general order, forming 
the disposition of the troops, in case of coming to action, 
had also been prepared, and was read to Colonels Pick- 
ens and McCall, Major Jackson and the author of these 
notes, in the course of the evening. No copy was ever 
afforded to either of these officers, before the battle, 
and the author of these notes has never since seen them, 
but in the course of the same evening he made the 
following notes upon them, then fresh in his memory, 
and which was shown to Major Jackson and Colonel 
McCall, and approved by them as correct as far as they 
went. To show those concerned what would be their 
stations, the author drew out a rough sketch of the dis- 
position set forth in the general order, and after the 
action, the rough sketch of the enemy's position was 
added. No perfect or accurate sketch of the enemy's 
position was ever drawn : this was only taken by the 
eye, not by mathematical instruments ; and yet no op- 
portunity has been afforded of correcting it. Neverthe- 
less, this gives you a still better idea of the affair, than 
could be obtained without it. 

The order commenced in substance thus : 

As the enemy seemed resolved to force us into action, 

the numbers and spirit of this little band of patriot 

soldiers seems to justify the general in the belief that 

they may be met with confidence, defeated and driven 



528 TEADITIONS AND KEMINISCENCES OF 

back. To prepare for wliicli, the following order will 
be observed : 

The front line will be composed of that part of 
Colonel McCall's regiment of South-Carolina State 
f» /^5.,^ troops, who have not been equipped as dragoons, under 
the command of Major Hammond ; the Georgia volun- 
teers, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Cunningham, 
and the North-Carolina volunteers, under the command 
of Major McDowal. Colonel Cunningham will take post 
on the right, Major McDowal on the left of the line, 
\ south-west of the road, upon the rising ground beyond 
the valley in front, three hundred to three hundred 
and fifty yards in rear of this cantonment or camp, with 
the left resting upon the road. Major Hammond will 
take post on the left of the road, in line with Colonel 
Cunningham ; supported upon the left by Captain 
Donoly, of the Georgia refugees. 

The second line will be composed of the continental 
regiment of Maryland troops, commanded by Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel Howard ;/on the left of the second line, fall- 
ing back one hundreci yards in its rear, a continuation of 
the second line, or third line, will be formed, advancing 
, its left w^ing towards the enemy, so as to bring it nearly 
^tA/'-<N^^ parallel with th9 left of the continental troops, upon 
the second line./ The Virginia militia, commanded by 
Major Triplet, with the South-Carolina militia, com- 
manded by Captain Beaty, will form to the right of 
1 the second line ; the left nearly opposite to the right of 
\ the second line, one hundred yards in its rear; the right 
\ extending towards the enemy, so as to be opposite to 
^ or parallel with the second line. The main guard will 
/ hold its present position, and l:)e commanded as at pre- 
/ ' sent by Colonel Washington's cavalry, with such of 
-^*-^*'^p|' Colonel McCall's regiment of new raised South-Caroli- 
na State troops, as have been equipped for dragoons, 
will be a reserve, and form in the rear of Colonel Pick- 
ens, beyond the ridge, one or two hundred yards, and 
nearly opposite the main guard, north of the road. 

This is not meant as a correct report of the general 
order, but as nearly so as the memory, influenced by 



THE AMEBIC AN EEVOLUTION. 529 

gucli events, could be expected to retain. The sketcli 
annexed will give you a further illustration of the im- 
portant event. 

BATTLE OF THE COWPENS. 

FIRST VIEW OF THE TWO ARMIES FORMED FOR ACTION. 



B 

■■aCXi » X^ •-« 3f- W 



'V •,>£ AP -W X* ^ V 



. -js.' •:^£^ -vv- -'i,- -jv ::%^fc \ 

a M 






M 

in 






i?_; 



s-M. -urn 



References to the Plate. 

A. — American Main Guard. 
B. — Triplet's command. 
C — The Continentals. 
L. — Pickens' command. 

The commencement of the battle. 
D.— Triplet's. 
E. — Beaty's. 

F and G. — Colonel Howard's. 
M and N. — Pickens, with Anderson and Brandon. 
H, I, J, K. — Georpfia and Carolina riflemen, under Cunningham, Mc- 
Dowal, Samuel Hammond and DonnoUy. 

Valley or ravine. 

O and P. — British advance, under Inman and Price. 
Q. — British line of battle with artillery. 
R — British horse, — reserve. 
S. — McArthur, 7 1st regiment — reserve. 
U. — Tarleton's cavalry. 
34 



530 TRADITIONS AND EEMIjSTISCENCES OF 



SECOND VIEW OF THE TWO ARMIES AFTER THE RETREAT OF THE 
AMERICAN MILITIA. 



r^6 *- 




« ^ >4 <fc ?S, J^ X-0» - >■ ^W 



1. — Colonel Howard's Maryland troops. 

2. — Pickens ; 3, Brandon ; 4 and 5, Anderson and militia rallied. 

6. — Colonel Washington's charge. 

7. — Tarleton's charge. 

8. — British line advancing; 9, their horse reserve. 

12. — Major McArthur. 

13. — Major S. Hammond's second position, ) 

10. — Major Triplet's " " >- Americans. 

11.— Captain Beaty's " " ) 



EXPEDITION TO LONG CANE3, AND A MISSION TO WILLIAMSON 
AND PICKENS. 



BY SAMUEL HAMMOND. 



The Georgians were soon joined by the South-Caro- 
linians, under McCall, S. Hammond and Liddle, and 
proceeded to attack a party of loyalists, forted near 
Colonel Hoils' old establishment, on the Saluda. 
They marched all night and reached the ]^ost at day- 
light, but the enemy had evacuated it a little before 
our arrival, and passed the Saluda, at Rutledge's ford, 
a very rough and roeky pass. Here a smart skirmish 
took place at long shot across the river, and several 
men were killed on both sides. After this. Colonel 
Twiggs retreated seventeen or eighteen miles, to Hoil's 
old place, and rested there. From this post, they made 
excursions into Ninety-Six District, and downward be- 



THE AMEEICAIN" REVOLUTIOIS'. 531 

tween Broad and Saluda rivers, aided by the Ninety- 
Six refugees under McCall, S. Hammond and Liddle. 
In these expeditions, little was done more than collect- 
ing recruits, under Colonels Clay, Roebuck and others. 
With these additions to our force, it was resolved, in 
council, to make a bold and rapid push through the 
western part of Ninety-Six District, into the Long Cane 
settlement, west of the British, stationed at the town, 
Cambridge, or Ninety-Six. Our wish also, was to draw 
out the well-aiFected of that part of the country, who 
had been paroled by the enemy on the surrender of 
General Williamson. Believing that the British had 
violated their faith under this capitulation, having com- 
pelled the whigs to bear arms against their late com- 
panions in arms, instead of leaving them at home until 
exchanged as prisoners of war, this would be a favorable 
o]3portunity for them to join us. 

Colonel Benjamin Fiew, having the oldest commission, 
the command was given to him ; and we advanced with 
five or six hundred men, all mounted. The march was 
hurried, until we reached the plantation of A. Calvin 
Jones, where we halted and refreshed, and took some 
prisoners. These were tried by a military court, under 
Governor Bull's law ; nine of them were condemned, 
but none executed. Here the council of officers de- 
tached Major McCall, with his command, to see Colonel 
Pickens, and invite him to co-operate with us, as the 
British, by their breach of faith, had freed him from the 
obligations of his parole. Major McCall was selected 
for this purpose, not only for his known prudence and 
fitness, but for his personal friendship with Colonel 
Pickens. Major S. Hammond, with his command, was 
ordered down to Whitehall, the residence of General 
A. Williamson, • for the same purposes and views. 
Captain Moses Liddle was united with him in this 
mission. Both detachments were ordered to bring the 
gentlemen sent for, to camp, whether willing or other- 
wise. They were l)oth, of course, taken to camp. The 
object of the whigs was to gain their influence and their 
better experience to our cause. They both obeyed the 



5 32 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

call promptly, but declared that they did not go volun- 
tarily, and considered themselves in honor bound by 
their parole, whether the British violated their faith 
or not, so long as it was not violated to them. 



THE SIEGE OF AUGUSTA. 

The re]3resentations given by the different historians, 
of particslars in this memorable siege, are incorrect in 
many respects, and defective chiefly as to the names of 
the officers engaged in carrying it on from first to last. 

When General Greene determined to return with his 
forces from Ramsour's Mills, in North-Carolina, to South- 
Carolina, he detached at that post. Colonel S. Hammond, 
with a few men, who formerly belonged to Colonel Le- 
Koy Hammond's regiment, and who had been detained 
from the command of General Pickens. General Greene 
then informed Colonel S. Hammond of his intentions 
to return into South-Carolina. Pickens had been pre- 
viously sent back to the western part of North-Carolina, 
with the refugees of South-Carolina and Georgia, with 
directions to keep them embodied, ready for any emer- 
gency, with the view of recovering all the South. 

Hammond accordingly joined General Pickens, and 
was immediately ordered with a detachment to pass into 
the district of Ninety-Six, to rouse the people to join 
them, and aid in expelling the enemy. Having been se- 
lected for this service, and received assurances of support 
both from Generals Greene and Pickens, S. Hammond 
passed through the disti'ict of Ninety-Six with one 
hundred citizen soldiers, and arrived safe on the borders 
of Savannah river. There he was associated with Ma- 
jor James Jackson, and joined by several distinguished 
officers also of Georgia, with their commands, and ad- 
vanced upon Augusta. The British outposts were 
driven in, and the siege commenced under the com- 
mand of General Pickens. It was intended that we 



TSE AMEillCA^ REVOLUTIO:^. 533 

skould storm Fort Grierson ; and Lieutenant-Colonel 
Hammond, with two companies of his regiment of State 
troops, were ordered to pass between the ravine and 
the river. Every second man was furnished with an 
axe, and, on the signal being given, we were to pass 
over the bridge across the ravine, press up to the gate 
of the fort in that front, and to cut away gate posts 
and palisades, to make way for the assailants. The 
signal was given, the charge commanded, but no enemy 
appeared ; the gate was broken open, but the garrison 
had retired. A charge was now made on the retreat- 
ing enemy ; most of them fled, but many were made 
prisoners. Colonel Grierson then escaped, but was 
taken in the other fort, " Cornwallis," and shot. Colo- 
nel Gudgeon, of Grierson's command, was also taken and 
closely confined, that Major Eaton's death might be 
accounted for, it being said that he had been inhuman- 
ly killed after he had surrendered. A satisfactory ex- 
planation was made, and Gudgeon paroled. 

One or two of our own valuable citizens, who had 
been confined as hostages by the British, were saved 
on this occasion, ])y General Pickens. Among them 
was the Honorable William Glascock of Augusta. 

Colonel Samuel Hammond continued in arms until 
the restoration of peace, and then settled in Savannah. 
During his residence in Georgia, he was honored with 
several important posts. He was appointed State Com- 
missioner, to act in conjunction with General Lincoln, 
Judge Silas Griffin and Mr. Swan ; and again with 
Colonel Hawkins, and Generals Pickens and William- 
son. 

In 1793, he was appointed to the command of the 
1st regiment of the Chatham county militia, by Gover- 
nor Telfair, and immediately ordered to the frontier, 
where he rendered important services in building block 
houses, and checking the depredations of the Lower 
Creeks, who were very troublesome about that time. 

His term of service having expired, he returned to Sa- 



534 TEADITIONS AND EEMIlSriSCENCES OF 

vannali, raised a volunteer troop of horse, and again 
repaired to tlie frontier. 

He represented the comity of Chatham several times 
in the State Legislature, and in October, 1802, was 
elected to represent the State of Georgia in Congress. 
In 1805, he was honored by President Jefferson, with 
the appointment of military and civil commandant of" 
Upper Louisiana, now called Missouri, whither he re- 
paired, and remained until 1824, occupying various 
responsible stations, as governor, member of Congress, 
receiver of public money, &g. 

In 1824, he returned to South-Carolina, the theatre 
of his early military career, and in 1827 was elected 
by the Legislature of that State, Surveyor-General, and 
in 1831, Secretary of State. On this occasion. General 
Sumter, who had been his companion in arms, came 
forward voluntarily, commending him to the Legisla- 
ture, and bearing testimony to his gallantry and use- 
fulness during the struggle for independence. He 
distinctly ascribed the victory at Blackstocks to the 
bravery of Colonel Hammond. 

In 1835, borne down by age and infirmities, he 
•udthdrew from public life, and retired to Varello farm, 
near Hamburg, where he continued to reside until his 
death. It is remarkable, that although so much of his 
early life was familiarized with battles and bloodshed, 
he preserved his natural gentleness and suavity of 
manners to the last : enlivening every circle where he 
went, with his cheerful sallies of good humor. 

We have seen above, the honors conferred and the 
trusts reposed in Colonel Hammond, during his resi- 
dence in Missouri. He was lastly appointed receiver 
of public money in that State, and was in ofiice at the 
unfortunate period when the rage prevailed for char- 
tering banks, almost without number or restriction, in 
every part of the United States. The immense number 
of notes issued by these banks, not only deluged the 
country with a depreciating currency, but involved the 
community in liazardous si)eculations, by which many 
were ruined. The banks which had loaned out their 



THE AMEBIC AIS" EEVOLUTIONi 535 

capital to these speculators, could not collect their 
debts, and were therefore unable to redeem their notes. 
Colonel Hammond tv as authorized to receive good hank, 
notes in payment for the public lands, and the Secretary 
of the Treasury received them without hesitation from 
him. But when a large amount of bank notes had ac- 
cumulated in the hands of Colonel Hammond, and the 
banks ceased to redeem them, the Secretary of the Trea- 
sury refused to receive them as the notes of good hank6\ 
and the loss was thrown on Colonel Hammond. In 
vain did he show by his entries, that these notes were 
received before the banks stopped payment, and were 
universally believed to be good hanh notes at the time. 
They were still refused by the government, and Colonel 
Hammond was sacrificed after a lifetime devoted to 
the public service. He had acquired a handsome pro- 
perty in the city of St. Louis, and he gave it all up to 
the government, in payment for this casual liability, 
reserving nothing for his family. 

" All was lost, except honor." 

Colonel Hammond returned to South-Carolina, in 
1824, and was imprisoned in 1825, in Charleston, by 
order of the administration, as a defaulter. He was 
admitted to bail, and on the sale of his property, not- 
withstanding the public sale and the embarrassments 
of the day, the amount claimed by the United States 
was completely satisfied, and a balance of about four 
thousand dollars repaid to him. 

In South-Carolina, he was again cordially welcomed 
and befriended, by her grateful citizens, as long as he 
lived. 

He died on the 11th September, 1842, at his farm, 
called Varello, a short distance from Hamburg, in the 
87th year of his age. On Monday, the 12th, the mili- 
tary of Hamburg were joined by those of Augusta, 
comprising the " Clinch Riflemen," and the " Augusta 
Artillery Guard," all under the command of Major 
Samuel C. Wilson, together with the Masonic Lodges 
of Hamburg and Augusta, and the citizens of both 



536 TRADITIONS AND EEMINISCEJSTCI&S OE 

places, formed a procession at tlie corner of Covington 
and Market-streets, Captain Joseph G. Gladding act- 
ing as marslial. Minute-guns were fired from the site 
of his old fort, on Shultz^s hill, by the artillery, while 
the procession followed the body of the deceased vete- 
ran, with the solemn sounds of the muffled drums. 
When they arrived at the family burial ground, above 
Campbelltown, the remains were lowered into the 
grave with masonic honors, and a volley fired over it 
by the escorting infantry. 



COLONEL THOMAS TAYLOR. 

This gentleman was, we believe, a native of Virginia^ 
and with his brother, James, one of the first settlers on 
the east side of the Congaree river. They were the 
most influential of the settlers in that part of the State. 
When the Rev. Mr. Tennent and William Henry Dray- 
ton were sent by the revolutionary government, into 
the upper districts, to explain the cause of their resist- 
ance to the British authorities, and induce the inhabi- 
tants to unite in the association. Colonel Taylor was 
requested to join them and promote the object. Colonel 
Kershaw", of Camden, and Colonel William Thomson, 
of Orangeburg, likewise joined the party, as well-known 
men of influence in the back country. When hostili- 
ties commenced, Captain James Taylor raised a com- 
pany there, and Thomas Taylor was commissioned 
colonel of the regiment. Among their men, were the 
most respectable settlers on the Congaree ; we only 
recollect the names of the Boykins, AVestons, Whita- 
kers, Hopkins, McLemore, Partridges and Daniels. 
Their command was composed of their friends, with but 
few exceptions. 

Captain James Taylor was with his company in 
Charleston, during the siege, and after its surrender 
went home on parole, under the terms of capitulation. 



THE Ai^rEEICATT EEVOLUTtON. 53? 

But when lie found that the British authorities were 
violating those terms, imprisoning some, banishing oth-> 
ers to foreign countries ; preventing all from collecting 
their debts, from selling their property, or removing or 
traveling even into an adjoining district, except with 
written permission ; he concluded that the Biitish, 
having violated those terms, had virtually relieved him 
from their obligation ; he broke his parole, and joined 
General Sumter. When the patriots of the middle and 
back country found that they were not included in the 
capitulation of Charleston, but treated like the inhabi- 
tants of a conquered country, subject to the orders of 
British officers, and liable to bear arms against their 
own friends and relatives, they concluded that the mo- 
tives for resisting the royal authority were as urgent 
then, or more so, than at the commencement of hosti- 
lities. They likewise concluded that their prospects of 
success were better than at first — they being better 
trained to arms and hardihood, with more confidence 
to be placed in the Union for support, it being now ce- 
mented with blood. Colonel Taylor, after consulting 
■with his neighbors, removed with them to Sumter's 
camp, in North-Carolina. Others soon followed with 
their friends ; and the arrival of the Hamptons, Mc- 
Clures, Brattons, Winns, Hammonds, Clarke and 
Twiggs, of Georgia, with Davie, McDowal and Locke, of 
North-Carolina, soon enabled them to commence active 
measures. The attacks on Mobley's, Musgrove's and 
Williams', were their first essays. Returning success- 
ful from these, they united in the gallant attacks, con- 
ducted by Sumter himself, on Rocky Mount and on 
Hanofins' Rock. Then followed the active movements 
west of Camden, then the surprise of Sumter's camp on 
Fishing Creek, and the dispersion of his command. 

On this occasion, both the Taylors were captured, 
and Colonel Taylor wounded, but not dangerously. 
They were marched off to Camden, guarded by a de- 
tachment of Tarleton's dragoons, but effected their es- 
cape before they arrived at that j^ost. Colonel Taylor 
smeared the blood from his wound over his hands and 



538 TRADITIOJrS AND REMINISCEiq-CES OF 

face, tliat the Britisli, supposing him disabled, might 
not watch him. He managed to get next to his bro» 
ther, and when an opportunity offered, on passing a 
thicket, he pushed Captain Taylor out of the line into 
the covert, and immediately jumped after him. A few 
pistol balls were fired at them, but both effected their 
escape. If his brother had been taken to Camden at 
that time, captured at the head of his company, after 
having broken his parole, the British would certainly 
have hanged him. 

At Fishdam, where Sumter was attacked by Colonel 
Wemys, his division would certainly have been again 
surprised, but for the vigilance and preparation of 
Colonel Taylor. He commanded the piquet guard of 
twenty-eight men, made up his camp-fires in a little 
field, and when his men were refreshed, stationed them 
back of the fence, and re-kindled the fires. He then 
ordered all the guns to be freshly primed, and soon 
after heard the enemy advancing. He ordered all 
his men to wait for the word- — each of them to single 
out his object, and aim at the crossing of his belt. 
When the British came so near to the blazing fires as 
to be distinctly seen, Taylor gave the word " fire ;" the 
discharge was as one gun, and left on the field twenty- 
three men and two officers, dead or wounded — Colonel 
Wemys was among the latter. The British, not being 
able to see an enemy, fired at the flash of their guns, 
killed one man and wounded another. Only one round 
was fired by Taylor's men, and the British retreated. 
Had Sumter then marshalled his men, and reached the 
field promptly, the whole British detachment might 
have been captured. But his men in great confusion 
retreated, after having surprised their surprising oppo- 
nents. Colonel Wemys was found the next morning, 
with his thigh shattered, just as he had fallen^ among the 
dead and dying. 

In Sumter's advance towards Blackstocks, Colonel 
Taylor had been detached with a number of wagons, 
on a scouting and foraging expedition. The British 
iiad collected considerable supplies of provisions at 



THE a:^ierican" revolutiok. 539 

Summer's Mills, and Taylor's orders were to bring them 
away or to burn them. Colonel Candler, of Georgia^ 
was sent under him, and one of their orders was to in- 
quire and report the position and movements of the 
enemy. Both these objects was effected by the vigi- 
lance, celerity and energy of Colonel Taylor; Much 
had been left to his discretion by General Sumter. 
Tarleton's rapid movements were discovered by Sum- 
ter, who heard that one or two regiments were advanc- 
ing to support him. Tarleton, after a while, halted 
his advancing party, and Sumter, being anxious for the 
safety of Taylor's detachment, determined to halt also, 
and refresh his men, that Taylor might have a better 
chance for rejoining- him. Sumter again advanced, and 
when in sight of Blackstocks sent off a detachment to 
attack Tarleton on his front and flank. The firing 
commenced ; and at this critical moment, Taylor drove 
"up with his train of wpgons, well loaded with the British 
stores, and aided in defending the position. 

Taylor had also discovered Tarleton's corps, about 
fifteen miles from Blackstocks, and sent expresses to 
inform Sumter of his approach. Taylor, likewise, sent 
two detachments of his men to watch and retard Tarle- 
ton's approach. They were ordered to occupy the 
brow of the hills near the road, by which Tarleton was 
advancing. The first was ordered to fire on the enemy, 
as soon as they came within gun-shot ; then to retreat, 
and occupy another hill on Tarleton's route. The se- 
cond was to do the same, and thus to continue their 
fire alternately, from one hill-top to another. By this 
means, Tarleton was retarded at every elevation in the 
road, and Sumter notified of his position; the two de- 
tachments co-operating, sustained each other in their 
alternate movements. Sumter was thus enabled to 
choose his positions, before Tarleton could come up, 
and his men coolly reserved their fire until it could be 
effectual on their foes. Tarleton, with his usual impe- 
tuosity, charged with his cavalry, supported by the 
63d British infantry. The dragoons fell back before 
the fire of Sumter's rifles, but the infantry, being slower 



640 TJIADITIONS AJTD REMmiSCENCES OF 

in their movements, many of them were sabred by 
Sumter's cavalry, and more of them would have been 
lost, had not Tarleton rescued them by rallying his 
troop, and charging again on Sumter's cavalry. 

Both of the parties claimed the victory ; the British 
certainly retreated, leaving their dead and wounded. 
Ihey attacked the Americans, but were repulsed. The 
Americans retained the field of battle ; they lost some 
brave men, but succeeded in all their objects ; the pro- 
visions were secured, Taylor's division saved, and the 
enemy repulsed with great loss. The Americans never 
fought better than at Blackstocks, and were much en- 
couraged by their success. They were, however, unable 
to pursue the retreating foe, because of the dangerous 
wound that General Sumter had received. He was, in 
conseqnence, obliged to leave the army under the com- 
mand of General Twiggs, of Georgia, while an escort 
conveyed him on a litter to North-Carolina. Many 
acts of individual bravery were performed in this action, 
and among the most distinguished, were General James 
Jackson, of Georgia, and Rol)ert Stark, Esq., of Colum- 
bia, afterwards a celebrated lawyer and Speaker of the 
House of Representatives. This last was, at the time, 
a mere stripling, with scarcely decent clothing. 

In addition to the services of Captain James Taylor, 
which are above noticed, he was with Sumter at the 
taking of Orangeburg and Granby, and at the attacks 
on Forts Watson and Shubrick, or Quimby Bridge. 

After Gates' defeat and the surprise at Fishing Creek, 
Sumter's command being again dispersed. Captain Tay- 
lor went home. He was there captured soon after, 
carried to Camden, and tried for his life, on the charge 
that he had taken up arms after breaking his parole. 
The concurring testimony of several, showed that he 
had paraded in arms on some particular day and place 
named. One of his neighbors, of Dutch descent, wish- 
ing to save him, came forward, and swore that Captain 
Taylor was at his house on that very day, thereby proving 
an alibi This left a doubt in the minds of the military 
tribunal, and Captain Taylor was saved. The Dutch- 



THE AMEEICAN EEVOLUTION. 541 

man being afterwards asked how he could swear to 
such a thing, said, that in war every deception of the 
kind was justifiable. 

At the battle of Quimby Bridge, near Shubrick's 
house, where Sumter's command was united to those of 
Lee and Marion, Colonel Taylor was engaged, and re- 
peatedly made the following statement : That his com- 
mand was the only portimi of Sumter's division engaged 
on that day, and this was confirmed by several of the 
most respectable men and ofiScers of that division, who 
had been present on the occasion. That the British 
could not have maintained the position held by them, 
at the bj'idge and causeway, had Lee not been so fear- 
ful of losing some of his dragoons. If Maham, at the 
head of Marion's mounted men, had been there when 
the British first engaged the Americans, instead of Lee 
and his legion. Colonel Coates would not have been 
permitted to occupy that defile. The few infantry who 
did cross the bridge, were hurried over it by Lee, with 
a promise of speedy support from his cavalry. This 
support was so tardy, that but for the gallant and im- 
petuous charge of Colonel Maham and Captain Mc- 
Cauly, they would have been poorly sustained by 
Armstrong and Carrington, of Lee's legion, whose 
men had failed to cross the hridge. Colonel Lee was at 
or near the bridge all the time, and the testimony of 
every Carolinian who was present, on that occasion, has 
stamped his conduct as unmilitary and unfeeling towards 
the Stai»e troops under his command. Colonel Taylor's 
division marched up through an open field to the fence, 
which the British had placed round Shubrick's negro 
houses, to protect themselves from Lee's cavalry. The 
fire was tremendous from the British, but not effective. 
Colonel Taylor's ammunition soon gave out ; and the 
British discovei'ing this from his slackening fire, rushed 
from the houses, threw down the fence, and charged, 
with fixed bayonets, on Taylor's retreating division. 
At this crisis, a detatchment of Marion's brigade rushed 
to their rescue, and by a well directed fire checked the 
British advance, and drove them back. Colonel Tay- 



542 TEADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

lor's men gave Marion's a loud cheer, when they were 
advancing, and three times three, when they saw the 
effect of their gallantry. Colonel Taylor wore, as most 
officers did, at that time, a pair of large pistols, tied to 
a belt, and generally stuck into the belt, called slung 
pistols. In retreating, on this occasion, one of the pis- 
tols got out of the belt, and struck on a nerve at the 
knee joint, giving him such acute pain that he fell in 
the high grass, — was unable to move for some time, 
and then very slowly. His people believed that he 
had been killed or badly wounded, being far in the 
rear of all his men, and at first not visible. He could 
not have escaped from the British bayonets when Ma- 
rion's men discovered, knew and saved him. He was 
literally " between two fires." 

On this occasion. Colonel Taylor lost some of his best 
men, and complained loudly in person, both to Colonel 
Lee and General Sumter, of their not sending him aid 
and ammunition, when they both saw that he was in 
so much want of support and relief. 



THE AJMEKICAN REVOLUTION. 643 



CHAPTER XVI. 



Captain Michael Watson — Observations on the War in the South — 
Lieutenant Slocomb, of North-CaroHna — David Fanning, Edmund 
Fanning — Sketches of the Revolutionary War in North-Carolina — 
Colonel Lacy — Major Joshua Toomer — Major John Vanderhorst — 
English Farces. 

Michael Watson's first service in arms, was with, 
the militia of South-Carolina, in their expedition, under 
Colonel Grant, of the regular army, in 1*762, against 
the nation of Cherokee Indians. In this he acquired 
the confidence and respect of all who knew him. This 
was greatly increased by his bravery and energy, in 
opposing the depredations of a lawless banditti, on the 
back settlements of the Southern Provinces, in the 
years 1767 and '68. 

The peace of 1763 had enabled the nations of Eu- 
rope to reduce their armies and navies, and this reduc- 
tion of those regiments on the western side of the 
Atlantic, in addition to those disbanded on the eastern 
coast in Europe, had turned loose a great mass of des- 
peradoes, accustomed to blood and plunder. In Eu- 
rope, they were restrained by the rigid police estab- 
lishments of the different royal governments, and many 
of these disbanded soldiers and seamen resorted to 
America. 

The western and north-western portions of the South- 
ern Provinces were favorably situated for the settle- 
ment of these lawless men, who, being unwilling to 
work, resorted to plunder for a subsistence. Border- 
ing on the Indian nations, they would disguise them- 
selves occasionally as Indians, and make incursions on 
the settlements of those who were collecting property 



544 TKADITIONS AND KEMINISCENCES OF 

by their honest industry. If pursued, the depredators 
could readily escape with their plunder beyond the 
reach of justice. 

No courts were then established in South-Carolina, 
except in Charleston, and if any of the depredators 
were taken by the honest inhabitants, they must be 
guarded, at great expense and risk, one hundred and 
fifty to two hundred miles, down to Charleston ; and, 
on being committed to jail, a further obligation was 
incurred to attend as witnesses and prove their accusa- 
tions. These became onerous duties on the industrious 
farmers, and led to combinations among them for sum- 
mary execution on the offenders. This process, in what 
is now called " lynch law," was then designated " regu- 
lating," and the associates for this purpose were called 
" Regulators." 

The old newspapers of those days contain many 
horrid details of robbery, burning and murder, com- 
mitted by those depredators. Among them, we find 
in a paper of the 4th August, 1767, that a band of 
marauders had made an inroad among the neighbors 
of Michael Watson, on what is called the Ridge, in 
Edgefield Disti-ict, and threatened thelife of his father. 
Watson, with his brother William, their father, and 
two other men, pursued them about thirty miles, and 
found them protected by a house in which they had 
taken shelter. The Watson party advancing upon 
them thus protected, Avere fired on by the marauders, 
and old Mr. Watson, his son William, and one of their 
neighbors, killed on the spot. Michael Watson was 
also wounded, Ijut the two survivors rushed into the 
house, before the thieves had time to re-load their 
guns ; Watson killed two of the banditti with his own 
hand, another was wounded by his friend, (whose name 
is not mentioned) but the survivors escaped from the 
house. Some of them were soon after captured and 
taken to Charleston. On the 3d November, 1767, 
nine persons were convicted for " horse-stealing, plunder 
and murder." Ezekiel Tyrrel was also convicted of 
burning the corn-house of Michael Watson, and sen- 



THE AMEBIC AN REVOLUTION. 545 

tenced to be liung on tlie 1st June, 1768. These trou- 
bles continued to increase, until the marauders were 
embodied under a ('olonel Schovel,^" paraded in arms, 
and ready to engage the Regulators. A parley was 
then proposed, and their respective claims and griev- 
ances submitted separately to the governor and council. 
The Regulators succeeded in their object. Seven addi- 
tional courts were established in different parts of the 
Province, one of which was in Camden, one in Orange- 
burg, and one in Cambridge, Ninety-Six. Courts of 
justice were now held with great regularity in all these 
places, and the law enforced with great uniformity 
against all convicted by a court and jury. 

At the commencement of the American revolution, 
Michael Watson was highly respected for his bravery 
and patriotism. When Sir Henry Clinton in New- 
York determined to attack Charleston, in June, 1776, 
he instructed the Indian Agent, John Stuart, to excite 
the Cherokee nation to make war upon the western 
parts of the State, previous to his attack on the east. 
But it was unavoidably delayed, and the inroad of the 
Indians was simultaneous with the attack on Sullivan's 
Island. General AVilliamson was ordered to call out 
his command, repel the Indians, and carry the war 
into their own territory. When he was ready to 
advance, it was found necessary for him to do so in 
divisions, so as to cover the country more effectually, 
and unite whenever he thought proper. When the 
division in which Michael Watson served reached Lit- 
tle river, and had commenced crossing, they were 
briskly attacked by a large body of Indians. The 
Carolinians were thrown into some confusion. They 
who had crossed were in danger of being cut off, and 
they who were next to go over hung back from the 
necessary exposure in an open boat. On this occasion, 
Watson's characteristic bravery was acknowledged by 
all. He led on the division of kindred spirits, who 

* The name " Schofilites" was given to them from this, the name of 
their colonel. 

i6 



546 TRADITIONS AND EEJIINISCENCES OF 

volunteered for the purpose of aiding their companionss 
in arms, and sharing in their danger. They succeeded 
perfectly. The Indians were repulsed, the division 
saved, and Watson had the credit of effecting it. But, 
when the action was over, a number of bullet holes 
were discovered in his clothes, through which balls 
had passed without inflicting a wound. 

When the British arms had overrun Georgia and 
South-Carolina, the commanders-in-chief, Clinton and 
Cornwallis, claimed a right over the inhabitants as 
over a conquered country. Although they who had 
been in arms, in different parts of these States, resisting 
the British, had capitulated as lyrisoners of iDai\ to 
remain in their own homes until exchano^ed ; althoufrh 
the written capitulation was, in fact, an acknowledg- 
ment that those inhabitants had a right to treat, as in- 
dependent citizens, with the commanding officers of 
his majesty's forces ; although no violation of those 
terms was alleged against the inhabitants, the terms 
of capitulation were, in most cases, violated by the 
British authorities, within three months from the date 
thereof. Many of the inhabitants were imprisoned — 
many banished from their country, and many com- 
pelled to bear arms against their own countrymen, 
relatives and friends. 

At such a violation of rights, one-half of the inha- 
bitants revolted, and their opposition was called by the 
British a second rebellion. An immediate schism took 
place between the whigs and tories. The latter, sub- 
mitting to the royal authority, and thinking it their 
duty to execute the orders of their commanders, be- 
came the enemies of the whigs, their neighbors, and 
deadly feuds ensued. A desolating civil war followed, 
attended with atrocities as great as any recorded in 
history. Some honorable exceptions are known on 
both sides, but generally the vindictive warfare be- 
tween the whigs and tories was awful. A few whigs — - 
ten, fifteen or twenty — would associate for mutual pro- 
tection, and choose their leaders. Two or three of such 
companies would sometimes unite, either to drive off 



THE AjVrEEICAlSr REVOLUTION. 54^ 

a2:2:ressors or to retaliate, aud thus tlie evils became 
progressive. 

Michael Watson was at this time an industrious, 
prosperous farmer, living on the Ridge, in Edgefield 
District, with a young family, enjoying that property 
which he had acquired by the sweat of his brow ; but 
they were not safe from lawless depredations. He 
united with the whigs for self-defence, and was chosen 
a leader. This rendered him more conspicuous — his 
party increased, and he became their captain ; but this 
multiplied his enemies in a greater proportion. Being 
personally much respected and esteemed Ijv the whigs, 
his command became extensive, alike in number of 
men and region of country. He thus had opportuni- 
ties of exhibiting his decision and energy in action, 
and fertility in expedients, when surrounded with dan- 
ger, as well as his courage in battle. Under these cir^ 
cumstauces, Captain Watson drew down on himself the 
vengeance of the British authorities, and of their pliant 
tools, the tories. But he rose in proportion high in the 
confidence of General Pickens, and other leading offi- 
cers of the American revolution. 

On one occasion, a party of tories surrounded Cap- 
tain Watson's house in the dead of night, while he was 
in bed. He heard them consulting at one end of his 
house about the mode of attack, and concluded that 
this critical moment must not be lost. Seizing his 
gun, he leaped out of the door in the other end. of the 
house, and- escaped to the woods, about fifty yards off. 
He then holloaed aloud, as if to collect a body of men 
on guard, " come on, boys — -here they are — charge up 
to the house !" and fired his gun to indicate that their 
enemies were on their track. The tories were accord- 
ingly alarmed, and took to flight. On another occa- 
sion, the enemy surrounded his house in the open day ; 
Captain Watson was alone with his family, but did not 
entertain a thought of surrendering. He leaped out 
of a window, and ran for the woods. The tories saw 
him, and kept firing at him as long as in sight, but he 
escaped without injury. His clothes, indeed, were rid- 



548 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

died, but lie was unhurt. Aftei- tliis narrow escape, a 
tory colonel, named Kin Williams, came to liis plan- 
tation with a host of three hundred men, each having 
a green oak leaf in his hat. Watson was absent, and 
thus escaped personal danger. But they burnt every 
house on the settlement ; every cow and hog was killed 
or driven away; the poultry in the well-stocked barn- 
yard all shot, and the provisions of every kind wan- 
tonly burnt or carried off. 

By the aid of his good neighbors, Captain Watson 
procured another residence for his family, about eight 
miles off from his late farm, and was again trying to 
bring around him the usual comforts of a country home, 
when the family were again disturbed repeatedly. 
Among other instances of this kind, an attempt was 
made by one Hartley to carry off' his only remaining 
horse. But Watson was then at home ; he fired on ' 
Hartley, and M^ounded him in the arm. Finding that 
his shot had taken effect, Watson pui'sued Hartley, 
took him prisoner, brought him back to his residence, 
dressed his wound, and treated him kindly and hospi- 
tably until he recovered the use of his arm. Hartley 
was grateful for these attentions, received from all 
Watson's family — attentions so unexpected and so ill- 
deserved. He left the tories, became one of the whigs, 
and enlisted under Captain Watson. Hartley often 
told these circumstances many years after the revo^ 
lutiou. 

Near the close of these troubles in South-Carolina, 
in May, 1782, Captain Watson heard of a body of 
tories in Dean's Swamp, near Orangeburg, and, in con- 
junction with Captain William Butler — his friend and 
neighbor — it was determined to attack them. Wat- 
son's men were mounted militia, armed with rifles and 
muskets ; Butler's command were cavalry, armed with 
pistols and cutlasses. In order to surpi'ise the tories, 
the associates marched forward at sunset with great 
rapidity, captured a disaffected man, named Hutto or 
Hutton, and hurried him along with them under guard. 
As they approached the tory encampment, Hutton 



THE AMEBIC AIT EEVOLUTIOIT. 549 

made kis escape, and gave notice to the tories of Wat- 
son's approach.. They immediately paraded in ambush 
to surprise and oppose the whigs. When Hutton's 
escape was reported to the two captains, Watson de- 
clared his opinion that the expedition should be aban- 
doned, but Butler, for various reasons, thought other- 
wise, and the}' accordingly continued to advance. 
When they approached the edge of the swamp, two 
men were observed, as if endeavoring to hide them- 
selves. Butlei", Watson, and Sergeant Vardel — a very 
brave man — rode rapidly forward to capture them. 
Watson first discovered that these men were only a 
decoy, and. when too late, warned the others that the 
whole of the tories were there concealed. They arose, 
on being discovered, and poui'ed on their assailants a 
tvell-directed fire, which l^rought down Watson, Var- 
del, and several others of the foremost whigs. Al- 
though sorely galled, Butler brought off the wounded 
men, and now f^und, to his mortification, that the infan- 
try had little or no ammunition left, and that the 
enemy were advancing upon him with double his num- 
bers. In this emergency, he appointed a brave young 
man, named John Corley, his lieutenant, and made a 
desperate charge on the enemy's line, so unexpectedly 
as to throw them into confusion. He pressed on them 
so hotly, mingling in their disordered ranks, and hew- 
ing them down with his broad swords, that they had 
not time to rally — their superior numbers only in- 
creased their confusion and destruction. Butler con- 
tinued his impetuous attack, until the tories took 
refuge in the swamp. As the whigs returned in tri- 
umph, the gallant Vardel made an effort t© rise and 
wave his hand in hurra, but fell immediately and ex- 
pired. They buried him — where the brave are proud 
to lie — on the field of victory. 

Watson survived until the Americans reached Orange- 
burg. In that village he was buried with the honors 
of war, and his grave Was watered with the manly 
tears of his fellow soldiers. 

The following incidents occurred in this expedition 



550 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES Of 

to Dean's Swamp. A smart yoiiug man, "vrho had 
never been engaged in battle, "w^as very anxious to 
become an officer in Captain Watson's company, and 
very desirous of distinction. He was elected, and ad- 
vanced in his command very gallantly to the attack, 
mounted on a beautiful iilly. When the enemy Avere 
discovered, he dismounted with the rest, and having 
hitched his horse, was advancing on foot, when the 
tories rose and delivered their destructive fire. Seeing 
the number that fell with Captain Watson, the young 
officer's courage suddenly evaporated from his finger 
ends. He turned his back, and, forgetting his horse, 
became more distiuguished in the flight than in the 
fight, and never stopped until he reached home, spread- 
ing a report that the party had been ambushed and all 
killed but himself. The horse was saved by those who 
brought off the wounded. When they reached Orange- 
burg, finding that the owner would not return to claim 
her, they sold the mare, and expended the money in 
rum and other refreshments. Some of Watson's com- 
pany, who had also taken to flight on seeing their cap- 
tain fall, took possession of a farm-house near by, occu- 
pied only by a mother and her child. There was little 
or nothing to eat on the premises, and they now feared 
pursuit more than ever, believing that the woman 
would report them to their enemies. One of them 
was chosen by lot, and sent off to Orangeburg for 
help. Colonel Kumph came out to them as soon as 
possible, but, before the arrival of his company, the 
poor woman and child, with their unwelcome guests, 
were all nearly starved out. 



OBSERVATIONS ON THE WAR IN THE SOUTH. 

It is evident, from many parts of these memoirs, 
that the farmers — the peasantry of the South — un- 
aided by the States separately, or by Congress col- 
lectively, commenced the resistance against the British 
arms, after the fall of Charleston ; that it was not only 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 551 

icommenced, but bravely coutiuned and successfully 
prosecuted witli their own slender means and resources, 
without payment, provisions or forage, during the half 
of 1780, and the whole of the years 1781 and 1782 ; 
that the lirst acts in those exciting scenes of a tragic . 
di-ama, were performed by the peasantry, on both 
sides of the North-Carolina line, in the country adjoin- 
ing the Catawba river; that these patriotic counti-}^- 
meu had to fio-ht asrainst a two-fold foe — the British 
regulars, and their insidious, vindictive auxiliaries, the 
royalists ; that these, when united, occupied all the 
•strong positions in South-Carolina, and were well sup- 
plied with arms, ammunition, and military equipments 
of every kind, while the patriots had no place of resort 
for safety except the swamps, and no supplies of any 
kind, except what was taken from their own scanty 
stock of plantation fare. Their own domestic fireside 
was the most dangerous place to which they could 
resort ; the encampment l)y day, the march by night, 
and even the open battle-field, aiforded them compara- 
tive safety. Those residents in Spartanburg, York 
and Chester, of South-Carolina, aided by those of 
Mecklenburg and Lincoln, in North-Carolina, were the 
first and firmest in resisting the royal authority in the 
South. Those of North-Carolina were the first in Ame- 
rica to declare their independence of Great Britain, 
and the most resolute in defending it ; their fertile 
fields afibrded food and forage to the destitute of South- 
Carolina. There being few or no royalists in that part 
of North-Carolina, but little annoyance was experi- 
enced from these insidious foes. 

This region of country w^as chiefly settled by fami- 
lies who had emigrated from the north of Ireland, and 
were descendants from the Puritans of Scotland, who 
had taken refuge there during the cruel persecutions 
which l)Oth the church and state carried on against 
them. From such circumstances, these Carolina pa- 
triots were called the Scotch-Irish, and their descend- 
ants still pride themselves in this appellation, tradition 
and lineage. 



652 TRADITIONS AKD EEMIOTSCENCES Oi' 

About the same time, tlie same spirit for resistance 
was evinced by Clarke, McCall, Jackson and Twiggs, 
of Georgia ; by Colonels Hamptons, Samuel Ham- 
mond, Harden, Sumter, Marion, Williams and Cleve- 
land, of South-Carolina ; l)y Shelby, Sevier, Camp- 
bell, Davie, McDowal and Locke, of North-Carolina. 
They each collected a small force of relatives, friends 
and neighbors, at different points — l)eat up the quar- 
ters of the British and tories in several detachments, 
and most of the Georgians and South-Carolinians united 
under Sumter in North-Carolina. Here the produc- 
tive vallies of the Yadkin and Catawba afforded them 
an abundance of provisions for themselves and horses ; 
and here the brave inhabitants were undivided in their 
patriotism. This neighborhood Avas called by Corn- 
w^allis " the hornet's nest." 

Without the joint and several support from those 
patriotic corps, General Greene probably could not 
have succeeded in recovering the Southern States. 
These auxiliaries were to him of inestimable value, 
not only by adding to his strength when called to- 
gether, but by gathering information for him from 
various points, of every expedition and movement of 
the enemy ; by cutting oif the supplies intended for 
the British, and supplying his wants with whatever 
could be collected from various sources. They were 
to General Greene his eyes for vigilance — his hands 
for labor, and his arms for attack and defence. 

Mr, Sabine and some other writers of New-England, 
have reproached the South-Carolinians for not defend- 
ing their State and principal city from the enemy, 
" although aided hy a Nortliem army and a Northern 
generair Let us consider this matter. General Chai'les 
Lee certainly was not aided by a Northern army. Not- 
withstanding his brilliant talents, " he did the State no 
service" — he injured the State, not intentionally, but 
by his English prepossessions, from childhood, as to the 
invincibility of their navy. Thinking that it would 
be only a waste of ammunition for Fort Sullivan to 
fire on the British fleet, he disarmed Moultrie by with- 



I'fiE AMERICAN RErottJTION. 55 S 

drawing the greater part of his powder, to save it. 
If that powder had not been withdrawn, by order of 
General Lee^ a large portion of Sir Peter Parker's fleet 
would have been captured or sunk in that battle. 
Again, as to General Lincoln, he ^vas a brave, pati'iotic, 
good old gentleman, but very far from being a skilful, 
energetic, or judicious general. When he took com- 
mand of the Southern army, it was well posted on the 
northern edge of Savannah river, and well arranged 
foi protecting that frontier from invasion. He made 
three divisions of that army, and, as usual with divided 
forces, they were Ijeaten in detachments. 

He first sent General Ashe, of North-Carolina, across 
the river, with only one company of regulars, under 
Captain Elbert, of Georgia, to support him ; the rest 
of his command were militia, so deficient in arms, and 
so badly trained to duty, that when attacked in flank 
by the British, they all ran off into the nearest swamp 
for shelter or concealment. Many of them were 
drowned in the river, for want of l^oats to transport 
them over to the Carolina shore. A court martial was 
convened at the request of General Ashe, and, after a 
full consideration and inquiry, he was honorably ac- 
quitted, because not properly supplied or supported 
by Lincoln. About the same time, Lincoln left Moul- 
trie near the ferry, with about one thousand militia 
men, opposed to three thousand British regulars, on 
the Georgia side, and marched the main army np to 
Augusta ; there finding that the only enemy in that 
neighborhood, under Colonel Boyd, had been defeated 
by the militia nnder Pickens, at Kettle Creek, he made 
a fourth division of his army, and sent them, under 
General Williamson, through a wilderness, into Liberty 
county, Georgia, while he marched deliberately down, 
on the Georgia side of the river, towards Savannah. 

Provost finding that Lincoln had left the road to 
Charleston open for him, immediately crossed the liver 
with two thousand regulars, flanked by some Indians 
and tories ; pursued Moultrie, and defeated him at 



654 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

Tulifinny, the only point at wliicli he offered resistance. 
He might then have marched his troops into Charles- 
ton, but for the energy of Governor Kutledge and 
General Moultrie. Provost retired from before Charles- 
ton to Stono ferry, and there intrenched his army, while 
Lincoln I'emained inactive a whole month, leaving the 
British all that time to carry off the negroes and other 
things plundered in the south-eastern part of the State. 
After a month, Lincoln attacked the intrenchment at 
Stono, and was repulsed. The only advantages gained 
while Lincoln commanded in South-Carolina, were at 
the battles of Beaufort and that of Kettle Creek, 
where, fortunately, he was not present ; the first of 
these was gained by the Charleston Artillery, a militia 
company, under the command of Moultrie, and the 
other by the back country militia, under Pickens. But 
Lincoln's greatest defect was in his treatment of the 
militia. These he disgusted by his want of judgment, 
and by his attempting to enforce duties, penalties and 
punishments, which could only be required of conti-^ 
nental troops, who had signed the articles of war, 
receiving the bounty and pay for such enlistment. It 
was this chiefly which left him unsupported by the 
militia, when besieged in Charleston. All saw that he 
Wanted judgment and energy.'"" Some of the militia 
certainly behaved very disgracefully when in camp, 
near Purisburg, but even the best and most devoted 
thought, that if at Purisburg, Lincoln attempted un- 
warrantable coercion over them, how much more likely 
would he be to enforce it in a beleaguered city. This 
state of the public mind as to Lincoln, personally, 
ought to have decided him and the governor's council 
to abandon Charleston, as advised by General Wash- 

* Lincoln p;ave uo orders for a proportion of infantry to be always 
attached to his cavalry — this was the defect when Washington beat 
Tarlcton near Rantowle's, The want of infantry caused the defeat of 
General Huger at Monk's Corner, and of Colonel Anthony W. White on 
Santee. Can any one expect to succeed, who orders a uioveuient of 
cavalry without infantry ? 



THE AMERICAN" REVOLUTION. 555 

ington, and keep his army active in the upper country, 
where the people would have supported him for their 
own sakes, as well as the public good. 

Again, when Sir Henry Clinton landed his army at 
Edisto, and loitered nearly two months in his gradual 
advances to the sies^e of Charleston- — a distance of 
thirty or forty miles — where was Lincoln, and where 
his alleged Northern army ? Why did he net go out 
from his amusements in Charleston, and attack the 
British troops at every defile in their detachments, — 
in their camps, — in their intrenchments ? The only 
opposition made to their advance was by Colonel John 
Laurens and his light infantry, after they had crossed 
Ashley ferry, and were near Charleston. Would 
Andrew Jackson have been thus inactive ? See his 
movements against similar Bi'itish troops, and with 
similar militia in the South. Would Taylor and Scott 
have been thus undecided and wavering, having no 
opinion of their own, or wanting energy to enforce 
their decisions ? See their late campaigns. 

We regret that any thing should have been pub- 
lished from any quarter, casting offensive reflections, 
or making comparisons between the different portions 
of our common country, prejudicial to either of the 
divisions. But this having been done by a writer in 
New-JEngland, it has been taken up by a writer in the 
South, and the reply is published in Simms' Southern 
Quarterl}^ Keview, for July, 1848, not only disproving 
the allegation, but proving that the New-England re- 
gulars, in the siege of Boston, abandoned General 
Washington when their term of enlistment expired, 
clamoring for a new bounty, or no continued service — 
a strike for more money. — See page 46, <fec. The sub- 
ject is continued in the October number, page 262, &c. 
The militia of New-England; however, obeyed prompt- 
ly every call of the commander-in-chief, in whose tal- 
ents all reposed implicit confidence. At this very time 
of Washington's greatest difficulties in the siege of 
Boston, powder was sent on to him by South- Carolina 
and Georgia to continue the siege ; and another supply 



656 TRADITIOKS ANB HEMmiSCENCES OF 

sent by tliem to General Montgomery's army in the 
invasion of Canada.* 

Even in Washington's last expedition against Corn- 
Wallis, liis New-England troops would not march to 
Virginia, until they had received, in hard money, one 
month's pay in advance. General Greene had to strug* 
gle against great difficulties ; he could neither pay nor 
clothe his troops ; and nothing but patriotism and the 
bright example of their officers, kept them in camp 
under such privations. If he had commanded New- 
England regulars, it is probable that they would have 
served him as they did "Washington, or worse. Gene- 
ral Greene's army was composed of troops drawn from 
Virginia, Maryland, North-Carolina, South-Carolina and 
Georgia, with a small but excellent body of troops 
from Delaware. There certainly was no corps or com- 
pany from beyond Mason and Dixon's line, until after 
the surrender of Cornwallis — until after Greene had 
fought his last battle. There were some individuals, 
no doubt, inte'*spersed with the enlistments in the 
Southern divisions, but, until the arrival of General 
Wayne's division from Pennsylvania, no part of Gene- 
ral Greene's army could be called Northern troops. 
These Pennsylvanians gave General Greene more trou- 
ble than all the rest of his army put together, in all 
the Southern war. They conspired against General 
Greene — they sold him to the British, and a body of 
British troops was advanced to support the conspira- 
tors, and to take charge of the captured general, when 
the discovery was made, and the chief traitor executed 
We freely admit that, after the dilemma into which the 
South had fallen by the mismanagement of Lincoln, 
and the inglorious defeat of Gates, the three Southern 
States might have been lost to the Union, but for the 
skilful generalship of Greene and the support of the 
American Congress, at the head of which was John 
Hancock and John Adams, faithful to the convention 
that guaranteed all personal and political rights, and 

*See Drayton, vol. i., 273. 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 557 

rights of property, to every citizen of tlie United 
States. The federal constitution confirms this guaran- 
tee to all, in terms sufficiently explicit ; and we only 
wish that the Northern States would now send such 
delegates to Congress as Hancock and Adams, or men 
equally impressed with the constitutional rights of the 
South, and the constitutional obligations of the Middle 
and Northern States. 

I have endeavored, in vain, to obtain information of 
the many brave men of North-Carolina, who aided 
South-Carolina in the war of the revolution. I wrote 
in May, 1847, for this purpose, to one of the best in- 
formed in that State, and most likely to afford such 
information, but as no answer was returned, I concluded 
that he would himself publish what was wanted, and 
still hope to see his collection of such sketches. The 
names then called for, were Governor Burke, Generals 
Moore, Howe, Ashe, Nash, Caswell, Rutherford, Hen- 
derson and Woodford. Also, of Colonels Elijah Isaacs, 
Stephen Moore, McDowal and Locke. 



COLONEL SLOCOMB, OF NORTH-CAROLINA. 
l^Frorn the Charleston Courier, Sept. 3, 1842.] 

In the year 1781, after the battle of the Cowpens, 
Guilford, tfec. Lord Cornwallis led his troops through 
this part of North-Carolina ; for several days his head- 
quarters were at Springbank, on the Neuse, the planta- 
tion at present of General Nicholson Washington, while 
Colonel Tarleton, with his renowned legion, encamped 
on Slocomb's plantation, and had his head-quarters in 
the mansion so graphically described by Mrs. Butler. 
Slocomb, at that time, held a subaltern's commission in 
the State line, under the command of Colonel William 
Washington. His troop consisted of Carolina " boors," 
raised in his own neighborhood, and as rudely armed 



558 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

as sucli troops ever were. He, Lieutenant S., liacl be< • 
sent into the low-country, witli some twelve or fiftee 
men, for recruits, and to act as scouts in tlie neighbor- 
lioocl of the renowned British sfeneral. The mornino- 
of the day on which Tarleton took possession of his 
plantation, he was in the neighborhood of Springbank, 
and reconnoitred Cornwallis' encampment, supposing 
it was his whole force. The manner of this reconnoi- 
sance was so peculiar and characteristic of the men who 
fought our revolutionary battles, that I cannot refrain 
from relating concisely, the history, although having no 
direct connexion with the subject of this memoir, ex- 
cept it occurred on the same day. The lieutenant had 
directed one of his boldest and most trustworthy men, 
by the name of McKenne, (whose descendants are among 
our most respected citizens, and one of them has the 
honor of representing his native district in our National 
Legislature,) to go and make a careful examination of 
the British encampment, and report. On reaching the 
vicinity of Lord Cornwallis' post, he concealed his horse 
in a thicket, and advanced under cover of the wood to 
the skirts of the plantation. Here he saw a square mile 
covered with the tents, the baggage and artillery of 
the best equipped and disciplined army which had ever 
visited America. 

The sight was one to strike tei'ror to any but such a 
heart, but he resolved never to leave the ground with- 
out doing something for his country. He had not long 
been in his concealment, when an officer wearing two 
epaulettes, rode v^dthin range of his deadly weapon. 
The ball sped, and the unfortunate invader bit the dust ; 
without loss of time, he gained his horse, in whose speed 
he had full confidence ; but on emerging from the 
thicket, he found himself within one hundred j^ards of 
three British troopers, apparently as well mounted as 
himself A race across the sand hills ensued, and for a 
mile and a half^ the distance between him and the 
headmost horseman was little varied. Here, a bullet 
whistled passed his ear — " good, your short gun is not 
so true as my long rifle," said he, but his congratulation 



THE AMERICAN EEVOLUTIOK. 559 

as short. An instant after, came a second rejDort, and 
lis gallant liorse fell, the ball having struck and broke 
the bone of his off fore-leg, and before he could recover 
from his fall, the two headmost troopers flew by like 
lightning, each giving him a dreadful sabre cut across 
the head and shoulders. The third came up more lei- 
surely, and passed his sword through his body, near 
the shoulder, and was preparing to give the final coup 
de grace, when his sword arm was severed nearly in 
two, and he rolled dismounted in the sand, near his 
fallen enemy. The second dragoon was encountered 
instantly by the same powerful arm, and fell with his 
head and helmet cleft — while the foremost, seeing his 
comrades' discomfiture, dismounted and surrendered 
himself a prisoner to Major Williams, whose name is 
enrolled among the heroes of our country, and who, 
being engaged in the same service of reconnoitring, 
had joined in this singular race, wdthout the knowledge 
of either party. To secure his prisoner, and mount the 
half dead rifleman on one of the dragoon horses, was 
the work of but a few minutes ; and, by his careful as- 
sistance, they reached Whitehall in safety, where Mc- 
Kenne's wounds were dressed in their rude manner, 
and Williams joined Slocomb and his small troop of re- 
cruits. 

Such feats of the Carolina " boors," were too com- 
mon to gain the attention of our historians, while our 
magnanimous enemies stigmatized such acts as assassi- 
nations. 

They risked certain death, if caught, but to destroy 
an enemy, the risk was frequently taken. 

The party under Slocomb and Williams, pursued 
their w^ay slowly on the south bank of the Neuse, in 
the direction of Slocomb's house, little dreaming that 
his peaceful home, where a few months before he left 
his w^ife and infant, was then in possession of the ter- 
I'ible Tarleton. 

The writer had the following scene, almost verbatim^ 
from Mrs. Slocomb, many years since, and prefers copy- 



560 TKADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

ing from notes tlieu made, her account of Tarleton's 
residence with her. 

About 10 o'clock, of a beautiful spring day, a splen- 
didly dressed officer, accompanied by two aids, and 
followed at a short distance by a guard of some twenty 
troopers, dashed up to the piazza, in front of the house, 
where Mrs. Slocomb, with her child and a young lady, 
a near relative, afterwards the wife of Major Williams, 
and a few house servants, were sitting. 

Raising his cap and bowing to his horse's neck, he 
addressed the lady. 

" Have I the pleasure of seeing the mistress of this 
house and plantation ?" 

" It belongs to my husband." 

" Is he at home ?" 

" He is not." 

"Is he a rebel?" 

" No, sir, he is in the army of his country, and fight- 
ing against our invaders, therefore not a rebel." (Is it 
not strange, the people of that day gloried in their re- 
bellion, but always took ofi:ence at being called rebels.) 

" I fear we differ in opinion, madam. A friend to 
his country will be the friend of the king, our master." 

" Slaves only acknowledge a master in this country." 

A deep ilush ran over the florid cheeks of Tarleton, 
for he was the speaker, and turning to one of his aids, 
he ordered him to pitch the tents and form the en- 
campment, in the orchard and field on their right, (a 
beautiful ground, which I regret the darkness prevented 
Mrs. Butler from admiring, as she then would know 
our State is not entirely made of "interminable pine 
barrens.") To his other aid his orders were to detach 
a quarter guai'd and station piquets on each road. 
Then bowing very low, he added: "Madam, the sei- 
vice of his majesty requires the temporary occupation 
of your property, and if it would not be too great an 
inconvenience, I will take my quarters in your house." 

The tone admitted no controversy. 

Mrs. S. rephed, " My family consists of only myself, 



THE AMEEICAN EEVOLUTIOIs^. 561 

my sister and cliild, and a few negroes. We are your 
prisoners." 

From the piazza where he seated himself, Tarleton 
commanded a view of the ground on which his troops 
were arranging their camp. Different officers were 
frequently coming up, making their reports and receiv- 
ing orders. Among others, a tory captain, whom Mrs. 
S. recognized as a man who, previous to joining the 
British army, lived some fifteen or twenty miles below, 
(his name I suppress, as the family still live in the 
State, and some of them are said to be respectable,) 
received orders to take his troop and scour the country 
for two or three miles round. 

In an hour every thing was quiet and still, and the 
plantation presented the romantic spectacle of a regular 
encampment of some ten or eleven hundred of the 
choicest cavalry of the British king. 

Half a century after, the good lady told the writer 
of this article, that she prepared for the king's officers 
" as good a dinner as you have now before you, and 
much the same materials." Now, for the information 
of Mrs. B. and others of the dilitanti of the present 
day, I will try to describe what, in North-Carolina, 
then was called a good dinner. The first dish was, of 
course, the boiled ham, flanked with the plate of greens. 
Opposite was the turkey, supported by the laughing 
baked sweet potatoes ; a plate of boiled beef, another 
of sausages, and a third with a pair of baked fowls, 
formed a line across the centre of the table ; half a 
dozen dishes of different pickles, stewed fruit, and other 
condiments, filled all the interstices of the board. Such 
was the dinner which the good old lady compared to 
that she set for King George's officers. I have forgot- 
ten to say that the fashion of those days introduced 
stimulating drinks to the dinner table, and the peach 
brandy, prepared under Mr. Slocomb's own personal su- 
pervision, and which others besides Mrs. Butler have 
mistaken for home-made wine, received the unreserved 
praise of the party. 

Any person who has visited a Carolina plantation, 

36 



562 TKADITIOIS'S AND REMINISCENCES OF 

■where no lady presides over tlie cuisine department, 
will readily allow tlie probability that the colonel, when 
unexpectedly visited by the lady and her travelling 
friends, had a bad supper. But his phiz should have 
told a person of intelligence and observation, that he 
had been used to better. 

The dinner had been well discussed, and the officers 
were freely discussing the peach toddy. A Scotch 
officer, whom I take to have been Major Ferguson, 
speaking of it by the name of whiskey, said he had 
never drank as good out of Scotland, An officer, speak- 
ing with a slight brogue, insisted it was not whiskey, 
and no Scotch drink ever equalled it. " To my mind," 
said he, " it tastes as that orchard smells." " Allow 
me, madam," said Colonel Tarleton, " to inquire where 
the spirits we are drinking are procured V 

Mrs. S. — " From the orchard, where your tents stand." 

" Faith," said the Irish captain, "' we'll have few sober 
men in the morning ; but, colonel, when we conquer this 
country, is it not to be divided out among us V 

Colonel Tarleton. — " The officers of this army will 
undoubtedly receive large possessions of the conquered 
American provinces. 

Mrs. S. — " Allow me to observe and prophecy, the 
only land in these United States that will ever remain 
in possession of a British officer, will measure but six 
feet by two." 

Tarleton. — " Excuse me, madam. For your sake, I 
regret to say, this beautiful plantation will be the ducal 
seat for some of us." 

Mrs. S. — "Don't trouble yourself about me; my hus- 
band is not a man who would let a duke or a king even, 
have a quiet seat on his ground." 

At this point the conversation was interrupted by 
rapid volleys of fire-arms, appearing to be in the wood, 
a short distance to the eastward. " It is some straggling 
scout," said one of the aids, " running from the piquet 
guard." 

" There are rifles and muskets," said Tarleton, " as 
well as pistols, and too many to pass unnoticed. Order 



THE AMEEICAN EEVOLUTION". 563 

boots and saddles, and you, Captain , take your 

troop in the direction of the firing." 

The officer rushed out to execute his orders, while 
the colonel walked to the piazza, and was immediately 
followed by the anxious ladies, who too well guessed 
the cause of the interruption. 

" May I be allowed, without offence, madam, to in- 
quire if any part of Washington's army are in this 
neisrhborhood V said Tarleton. 

" I presume," replied the lady, " that it is known to 
you, that the Marquis and Greene are in this State," 
and, added she, " you would of course not be surprised 
at a call from Lee, or your old friend Colonel "Wash- 
ington, who, although a perfect gentleman, it is said 
shook your hand (pointing to the scar left by Wash- 
ington's sabre) very rudely, when last you met." 

A loud order to form the troops on the right, was 
the only reply, and springing on his charger, he dashed 
down the avenue a few hundred feet, to a breach in 
the hedgerow, leapt the fence, and in a moment was at 
the head of his regiment, already in line. 

Being an inexperienced narrator, the writer has 
omitted a description of the localities, which is neces- 
sary to understand the scene which now ensued, and 
will endeavor to remedy, as far as possible, by a short 
description. The house fronts the east, and an avenue 
of a half a mile in length, and about one hundred and 
fifty feet in breadth, stretches to the easternmost side of 
the plantation, where was a highivay, and, beyond that, 
<:>pen grounds, partly dry meadow and part sand bar- 
ren. This avenue was lined on the south side by a 
high fence and in a thick hedgerow of forest trees, now 
removed and replaced by the Pride of India and other 
ornamental trees ; on the north side, the common rail 
fence of seven or eight feet high, such as is seen on all 
plantations jf good farmers in the low country, where 
the necessary timber is convenient. The encampment 
of the British troops being on that part of the planta- 
tion, lying south of the avenue, was completely 
screened by the fences and hedgerow, from the sight 



564 TRADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

of any person approaching from down the country. As 
soon as Tarleton readied the ground, he ordered the 
company which he had detached not to leave the open 
ground, being apprehensive,- from what Mrs. S. had said, 
that the fight in the woods was only a prelude to an 
attack on his camp. At this moment, some of the tory 
troop, whom, it will be recollected, were ordered to re- 
connoitre the country, appeared in the open grounds 
described as east and northeast of the plantation, close- 
ly pursued by a body of American mounted militia, 
and a running fight with every kind of weapon, in 
which four or five broad swords shown conspicuous, 
was seen. The pursuing party appeared to be in too 
great haste, and too busy with the toiies, to see any 
thing else, and both parties entered the avenue toge- 
ther. With what horror did Mrs. Slocomb recognize 
in the leader of the pursuing party her husband, and 
Major Williams, and two of her neighbors, following 
the tory captain and four of his troop, half way down 
the avenue, where one of the tories fell, and their pur- 
suers were interrupted in their course by one of those 
providential interferences, which has often saved the 
brave and imprudent. 

When Mrs. Slocomb heard the order given for the 
tory captain to patrol the country round, she sent for 
an old negro, and gave orders for him to take a bag of 
corn to the mill, about four miles ofl^, on the road which 
she knew her husband must travel if he returned that 
day, thinking in this way to warn him of the danger of 
approaching his home. AVith the indolence and curi- 
osity natural to his race, the old fellow had remained 
loitering about the premises, and was now lurking un- 
der the hedgerow, admiring the red coats, dashing 
plumes, and shining helmets of the British troopers, he 
suddenly sprung before the young men's horses, crying 
out, " Ilold on, massa. The debble here look you." A 
glance to the left showed to the young men their dan- 
ger. They were within pistol shot of a thousand men 
drawn up in order of battle. On wheeling their horses, 
they discovered a troop already leaping the fence into 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION". 565 

tlie avenue in their rear. Quick as thought, they again 
wheeled their horses, and dashed down the avenue di- 
rectly towards the house, where stood the quarter 
guard to receive them. On reaching the garden fence, 
a rude structure, which was formed of a kind of lath, 
and which we call a wattled fence, they leapt that ; they 
next, amid a shower of Ijalls from the guard, cleared 
the canal, a tremendous leap, and scouring across the 
open field to the northwest, were sheltered in the wood 
before their pursuers could clear the fences of the en- 
closure. If this description should excite the curiosity 
of any travelling reader, he may see the whole ground 
as he passes over the Wilmington rail-road, one and a 
half miles south of Dudley depot. 

A platoon of the troops had commenced the pursuit, 
but such was the impression left on the mind of the 
commandant by Mrs. S.'s allusion to Washington, and 
the bold bearing of the young men, that the recall 
was sounded before they crossed the canal. 

Tarleton had rode up to the front of the house, where 
he remained eagerly looking after the flying Ameri- 
cans, till they disappeared in the wood. 

" Send Captain in to me." The tory captain 

appeared. 

" Who are those men, and where is your troop ?" said 
he. 

"Those men are villainous rebels, and my troop was 
attacked in the wood, and cut to pieces or dispersed." 

" What force attacked you ?" 

" I cannot tell, but I suppose an hundred men." 

Tarleton. — " We saw but some half dozen, and five of 
you were running from three men and a boy." 

" Yes, your honor, but we were all wounded ; a ball 
from that boy's pistol gave me this wound, which has 
disabled my sword arm. The men were Slocomb and 
Major Williams, of Lee's light horse." 

"Are any of the American regular troops with them?" 

" 1 saw none but that oflScer, and I think he served 
in this bout as a volunteer." 



566 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

" Go," said the colonel, " have your wounds dressed, 
and see what has become of your men." 

The last part of this order was needless, for nearly 
half of his troop fell on the ground, where they met 
the Carolina boors, and that ground is known to this 
day as the dead men's held. As Tarleton walked into 
the house, he said to Mrs. Slocomb, 

" Your husband made us a short visit, madam. I 
should have been happy to make his acquaintance, and 
that of his friend. Major Williams." 

" I have little doubt," said the lady, " you will meet 
the gentlemen, and they will thank you for the polite 
manner you treat their friends." 

" Necessity, madam, compels us to occupy your pro- 
perty; rest assured every thing in my power shall be 
done to render my stay as little disagreeable as pos- 
sible. The British army are not robbers; we shall 
only take such things as are requisite to our support, 
and my master's orders are to pay well for every thing 
we use." 

Mrs. Slocomb expressed her thankfulness for his 
kindness, and withdrew to her room, while the officers 
returned to their peach toddy and coifee, and closed 
the day with a merry night. Mr. Slocomb and the 
small party with him, passed rapidly round the planta- 
tion, and returned to the battle ground, collecting on 
the way a few stragglers of his troop, Avho directed 
him where he could find the balance of his men, not one 
of whom was killed. On approaching their bivouac, 
he saw a young man suspended by a bridle-rein round 
his neck, from the top of a sapling, l)ent down for the 
purpose, and struggling in the agonies of death ; dash- 
ing up to the spot, he severed the rein with a stroke of 
his sword, and with much difficulty restored him to 
life. It was a tory prisoner whom the}" had captured, 
and the brother of the captain so often mentioned. 
Should this memoir be read in the lower part of North- 
Carolina, many can remember an old man, alive a few 
years since, whose protruded eyes and suffused coun- 
tenance, had the appearance of a half strangled man. 



THE AMEEICAN REVOLUTIOlSr. 567 

He it was who, in this hour of excitement, owed his 
life, and afterwards his liberty, to the Mndness of Mr. 
Slocomb. Mr. Slocomb succeeded, in aid of Major Wil- 
liams, in raising in the neighborhood about two hun- 
dred men, with which they followed in the rear of the 
royal army, harassing and frequently cutting off fora- 
ging parties, uiitil they crossed the Roanoke, when they 
joined the army of LaFayette, at Warrenton. In many 
of these partisan fights, it is much to be regretted, but 
little attention was paid to the rules of war in the treat- 
ment of prisoners, particularly when tories fell into the 
hands of the militia. A depot of prisoners was estab- 
lished at Hahfax, and many times an order to convey 
a prisoner to Halifax, was synonymous to one to take 
him out of sight and shoot him — and the non-commis- 
sioned officer would return in half an hour, and report 
the prisoner safe at Halifax. Hence arose the expres- 
sion, " sent to hell or Halifax." 

Colonel Slocomb assured the writer, this cruelty 
was never attempted in his troop, after the scene just 

related of the hanging of young . Mr. Slocoml) 

remained with the army until the surrender at York- 
town. 

On reviewing these pages, the writer feels a fear 
that he has laid himself liable to the suspicion of ro- 
mancing, but the leading events can be verified by 
every intelligent old person in this section of the coun- 
try, and the writer could fill your paper for a year, with 
recitable traditions equally romantic with that here re- 
lated. Perhaps, at sojne future time, with leisure and in- 
clination for writing, he may extend them. Here, how- 
ever, it is intended to rest Colonel Slocomb's claims to 
revolutionary services, which were rewarded by the 
gratitude of his fellow-citizens in after life, in appointing 
him to every office of honor and trust in their gift, all 
which were honorably and ably filled, and their confi- 
dence never lost. A pension enlivened his latter days, 
which he valued more as a mark of acknowledgment, 
than for a pecuniary consideration. This was the man 



568 TEADITIOl^rS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

whose services to his country were never slightingly 
spoken of, except by a foreign adventuress. 

As the name of Mrs. Slocomb has incidentally been 
mentioned in this memoir, the writer will take the 
liberty of mentioning a scene, illustrative of jier cha- 
racter, which came under his personal observation. 

In her 72d year, Mrs. Slocomb was afflicted with a 
cancer, which her surgeon told her must be extirpated 
with the knife. At the appointed time, the surgeon 
appeared with some assistants, to perform the opera- 
tion. The old lady protested against being held, but 
the surgeon (not knowing the resolution of the woman 
he had to do with) insisted on his assistants holding 
her securely. The first incision with the knife was 
extensive, and one of the assistants exclaimed, he was 
sick and should faint. " You're a fool," said Mrs. S., 
" go away, I don't want you." Driving them off, she 
braced herself on the table, and never moved a muscle 
or uttered a groan throughout the operation. Once, 
while dissecting out the tumor with the handle of the 
scalpel, as is frequently done when the surgeon is fear- 
ful of inju]"ing the adjacent parts, she said, " Doctor, 
use the blade; I don't like that tearing." 

With this woman. Colonel Slocomb spent 65 years 
in a state of connubial happiness as great as ever fell 
to the lot of any man. How little probability that the 
" sable damsels" who waited on Mrs. Butler were " his 
own pi'ogeny." 

The visit of Mrs. B. to the colonel, was a theme on 
which he used to boast; and some time after she was there, 
the writer and sevei'al other gentlemen accidently 
meeting at the colonel's, he told us she, Fanny Kemble, 
as he called her, was the finest and most splendid wo- 
man in the world, and undoubtedly one of the most 
talented. And, gentlemen, said he, I will give you a 
toast, and he gave : 

" Health and happiness to Fanny Kemble, the Queen 
of Tragedy and the accomplished lady." 

And we drank heartily and devoutly, little thinking 



THE AMERICAN REVOLtJTlON. 569 

the ink was then not dry which stigmatized our worthy 
host with crimes he utterly abhorred, and held us and 
our neighbors up to the world as 

The JBoors of Carolina. 



DAVID FANNING, 

To the Honoral^le J). L. Swain, of North-Carolina, I 
am indebted lor the following sketch of this extraordi- 
nary man. He was born of obscure parents, in the 
county of Wake, about the year 1754, and apprenticed 
to a carpenter, or loom maker. He removed to Chat- 
ham, in 1778, and followed his trade, until the occu- 
pation of Wilmington, by Major Craig, presented other 
j^rospects to his imagination. Very shortly thereafter, 
clad in a long Avhite hunting shirt, and mounted on a 
common draft horse, he was found at the head of a 
band of marauders, not more than eight or ten in num- 
ber. His head-quarters were, to some extent, at the 
house of John Eains, on Brush Creek. But he had no 
home, seldom lodged in a house, generally passed his 
nights in solitary and unfrequented places ; sometimes 
with companions, but more frequently alone. He and 
his colleagues were spoken of as " Out-liers." 

His first marauding expedition is said to have been 
to Deep river ; and the earliest sufferers from his ra- 
pacity and violence, wei"e Charles Spearing, Captains 
Dreck and Dye. He went to Spearing's in the night, 
shot him as he ran from the house, took his gun, 
scoured the neighborhood, and returned to Rains'. 
His energy, rapacity and courage, were duly appreci- 
ated by Major Craig, who appointed him colonel of the 
loyal militia of Randolph and Chatham, clothed him 
in British uniform, and presented him a sword and hol- 
ster of pistols. An old royalist, named Lindley, gave 
him a mare called the Red I)oe^ from her peculiar 



570 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

color. This animal, wliose blood is still traced and 
highly estimated at the present day, became subse- 
quently almost as famous as her master. One of the 
most interesting episodes in Fanning's history, relates 
to the circumstances under which he lost her. An 
active and zealous whig named Hunter, who lived many 
years after, a substantial citizen of South-Carolina, was 
under sentence of death by Fanning and his party. 
The rope was about to be fastened for his execution, 
and a few minutes only were allowed him for saying 
his prayers. But Hunter, after a short mental prayer, 
observed this fine animal standing within a yard or two 
of him, while on his knees. He immediately sprang 
upon her back, and she flew off with him at full speed. 
The tories in company leveled their guns, but " fire 
high" was Fanning's order, that he might save his 
mare. A single ball took effect, and inflicted a severe 
wound in Hunter's shoulder, but he kept his seat al- 
though staggered, and the Red Doe bore him in triumph 
and safety, with Fanning's holster of pistols for his 
booty. His life, the Red Doe and the pistols, were all 
staked in the pursuit ; they trailed him by his blood, 
until Hunter reached Little river ; there was no ford ; 
the bank on both sides was high, but there was no al- 
ternative ; Hunter j^lunged recklessly into the stream. 
The noble steed snorted as she rose above the water, 
arched her beautiful neck above its suface, and proudly 
reached the opposite bank, before the tories came in 
sight : here the pursuit ended. 

From the time that Lord Cornwallis raised the royal 
standard at Hillsboro', on the 2 2d of February, 1781, 
until the spring of the following year. Fanning was the 
great object of terror to the whigs throughout the 
entire region between Hillsboro' and Wilmington ; and 
between Cape Fear and Peedee rivers. His confede- 
rates. Colonels Hector McNeil and Duncan Ray, 
confined their operations to the intermediate region, 
when acting ,s(qiarately, and when pressed, found safe 
refuge in the Raft Swamp, the neighboring morasses, 
and occasionally in the neutral grounds, which the ne- 



THE AMEKICAN REVOLUTION-. 571 

cessities of his position had compelled General Marion 
to accord to Major Gainy, when he surrendered. The 
upper country was the ordinary field of Fanning's ope- 
rations. They frequently united for striking sudden 
and effective blows, at remote and important points. 
On these occasions, Fanning and McNeil commanded 
alternately day by day. The celerity and success of 
their movements, under such circumstances, were worthy 
of a better cause, and authentic history will exhibit few 
parallel cases. The surrender of Cornwallis, and the 
retreat of Major Craig from Wilmington, checked 
their operations, but did not terminate them. Fanning 
continued in the field until the spring of 1782, when 
he made his way to Charleston, and subsequently found 
an asylum in Digby, Nova Scotia, where he died in 
1825. He was a colonel of militia in Nova Scotia, and 
had previously been a member of assembly from Queen's 
county, New Brunswick.* 

The forays in which he was successively engaged, 
cannot now be enumerated with much certainty, but 
there is authentic information with respect to his various 
important enterprises, which Avill, in despite of us, ex- 
cite our admiration for the " bold, bad man," an abler, 
a braver, and not a baser man than his more polished 
namesake. 

The combined forces of Fanning, McNeil and Ray, 
were probably between six hundred and a thousand 
men. Among Fanning's earliest successes, was the 

* Hector McNeil, the associate of Fanning, was a native of Argyleshire, 
Scotland, and came to North-Carolina on board of a British man-of-war, 
being then quite small, and probably acting in the capacity of a powder 
monkey. He left the man-of-war and joined the Americans, where he 
soon rose to high rank — that of a colonel. He was considered brave, 
but supposing himself neglected by his brother officers, he left the ser- 
vice, but did not desert. He then took a commission in the British 
service, and raised a considerable force of royalists in Bladen and Kobe- 
son counties. Ultimately, he joined Fanning, and was at Hillsboro' 
when Governor Burke was captured, with his aid and secretary. All 
were carried down to Wilmington, and thence to Charleston, S. C 
Hector McNeil was shot down shortly after this, by somebody in am- 
bush, while he was crossing the Eno, a rivulet which runs through 
Hillsboro'. He left a family, which still resides in Robeson county. 



1)72 TRADITIONS AND RE^riNISCENCES OF 

capture of Colonel Philip Alston and a few followers, 
at liis house, on Deep river, in the county of Chatham. 
Shortly thereafter, on the 15th July, 1781, he made a 
descent upon Pittsborough, during the session of a 
general court martial, and carried off the officers as pri- 
soners, to Wilmington. On the 14th August, he and 
his confederates took possession of Campbellton (now 
Fayetteville) and carried off Colonel Everett, Captain 
Winslow, and other leading men, prisoners. On tlie 
1st September, the battle was fought at McFall's Mills, 
on the Raft Swamp ; and on the 13th, about daylight. 
Fanning and McNeil entered Hillsboro', the seat of 
government, by different roads, seized Governor Burke, 
his suit and other prominent men, and proceeded with 
their usual celerity towards Wilmington. General 
Butler intercepted them with a superior force, at Lind- 
ley's Mill, on Cane Creek, the following day. A severe 
action ensued, in which Fanning was seriously wounded. 
The tories made good their retreat, nevertheless; and in 
a few days thereafter, Governor Burke, an able, ener- 
getic, accomplished and brave man, was delivered to 
Major Craig. The governor was at first put in a close 
prison, to await the result of General Greene's deter- 
mination to retaliate for the execution of Colonel 
Hayne. He was subsequently sent to Charleston, and 
then to St. James' Island.* 

The comparison above made of David Fanning " to 

* A mutiny broke out in Fanning's camp ; he was at the time reclin- 
ing on the ground, under a tree, lie heard the noise, but laid still, pre- 
tending not to liave heard it. The voice of one, a lieutenant, a power- 
ful, athletic, violent man, was heard above the rest, and well known. 
Fanning lay still, but was wide awake, with his drawn sword within his 
grasp. The lieutenant advanced rapidly, armed with a musket and 
bayonet. The sentinel, a rifleman, would have shot the lieutenant, but 
Fanning forbade it, and continued calm and self-possessed. The lieuten- 
ant raised his gun to plunge the bayonet into the body of his recumbent 
commander, when Fanning, sliding like a snake from his position, the 
bayonet was plunged into the earth close by him. As quick as light- 
ning, the sharp blade in P'anning's hand, was passed into the side of his 
gigantic opponent, who sank lifeless at Fanning's feet, while he coolly 
remarked, " it is in this way that I punish those who disregard my 
authoritv." 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION". 573 

Ms more polished namesake," was in allusion to Ed- 
mund Fanning, a native of Connecticut, wlio graduated 
at Yale College, in 1757, tlien migrated to ISTorth-Caro- 
lina, and settled in Hillsboro'. He became Register of 
the county of Orange, eight or ten years before the 
revolution, and by his exactions and extortions in that 
office, more than the acts of any other register or other 
officer, gave rise to the war of the Regulation. In 
1770, the people, after fruitless efforts for relief, were 
driven to madness, laid violent hands on Register Fan- 
ning, burnt his house, and, it is said, cut off his ears ; 
they scattered his ill-gotten wealth, and went to un- 
warrantable lengths with other officers, as all mobs 
are apt to do. Governor Tryon, therefore, called out 
the militia, attacked the Regulators, defeated them at 
Allemance, and executed some of the leaders. 

Register Fanning now became a protege of the 
governor, and received a colonel's commission in the 
British army, although he had disgracefully retired 
from the line of battle at Allemance, and continued a 
colonel until after the revolution. He then retired, 
with other royalists, to Nova Scotia, and became lieu- 
tenant-governor of it and Prince Edward's Island. He 
was a man of good address, polished manners and ac- 
quired talents. He went to England, and was there 
complimented by the University of Oxford with the 
degree of LL.D. Their example was afterwards fol- 
lowed by the colleges of Yale, Dartmouth and Harvard. 



[From "Graham's Magazine^ 



SKETCHES OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR IN NORTH- 
CAROLINA. 



BY AN M.D. 



I was busily occupied one summer's morning in my 
garden, when I was saluted by an old-fashioned farmer, 
on his way to mill. He rode a stout, well-limbed, ac- 
tive young horse, with the manner of one early accus- 



5T4 TEADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

tomed to the saddle, and managed Lim, in his humors, 
with the tact and address of a man fond of a pet 
animaL 

The old man's hat was low-crowned and slouched, 
but looked as if it had once been looped or cocked 
up — a style which some may recollect as incidental to 
many a revolutionary veteran. 

The weather invited to a rest ; we both seemed 
willing to enjoy shade and conversation ; and by obser- 
vations casually made — in which probably the old 
man's appearance assisted — we talked of the times of 
the revolution — he sitting on his horse (for, like many 
good talkers, he had no time to alight,) and I standing 
on the other side of my fence, in the garden, both of 
us shaded by some fine oaks which refreshed the road 
by which he was passing. 

In this way 1 picked up the following narrative of 



The inhabitants of a large plantation, on the road 
leading from the town of Charlotte to Beattie's Ford, 
on the Catawba, were alarmed one morning in early 
autumn, by the report of a country lad, that a detach- 
ment of British light-horse, with a line of empty bag- 
gage wagons, were on their march, to procure forage 
for the English troops, under the command of Lord 
Cornwallis, who had his head-quarters in the county 
town of Mecklenburg, North-Carolina. 

As the boy passed the farm-house he gave the alarm 
and galloped on. The women were soon seen strag- 
gling after him — some loaded with the rifles and accou- 
trements of the men who were at work in the fields — 
while others, assisted by the negroes, led forth horses 
from the stables, and hastily saddled them for service. 

The men were promptly armed — the women and 
children, with such necessaries as could be snatched 
up, were mounted by twos and threes upon the horses, 
and, accompanied by the servants, directed their coui*se 
through the woods to such neighbors as were most re- 
tired from the main road. 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 575 

Altliougli the boy who gave the alarm had used 
every exertion, and, mounted upon a jaded colt just 
taken from the plough, had dashed through the most 
direct hye-paths, the men had scarcely time to conceal 
themselves in a deep thicket and swamp, which bor- 
dered one extremity of the plantation, before the Bri- 
tish videttes were in sight. They halted upon the 
brow of a hill, above the branch of a creek, for the 
approach of the main body, and then, in complete 
order, advanced to the plantation. 

After reconnoitering the premises, finding no one 
present, but all appearances of the hasty flight of the 
inhabitants, the dragoons dismounted, the horses were 
tethered, and a guard detailed. Some sumpter horses 
were harnessed to the farm wagons, and parties began 
to load them with the various products of the fields ; 
while militrry baggage wagons, under the charge of a 
rear-guard, gradually arrived, and were employed in 
gathering the new corn, and carrying off stacks of oats 
and of the freshly pulled corn-fodder. 

It was the practice with our countrymen — led to 
precaution by their early contests with the aborigines — 
to form associations with their near neighbors, for 
mutual support in case of danger, and in their visits 
of friendship, or business, they always bore arms. 
There were twelve men now lying in close ambush on 
the edge of the plantation. They had all acted on 
scouting parties — were expert in the use of the rifle — 
and perfectly acquainted with all the peculiarities of 
the country. They were divided, at irregular dis- 
tances, into couples, concealed very near to each other, 
that they might readily communicate and have aid in 
their concerted action — for it had been agreed among 
them to await the retreat of the British, in the hope 
that they might recover some portion of their plun- 
dered crops, and avenge their injuries upon the in- 
vaders, with the 'greatest prospect of success. 

It was with much restraint, however, that they saw 
the fruits of their industry thus suddenly withdrawn, 
while the soldiers, enjoying the prospect of free living, 



5*76 TRADITIONS AND EEMINISCENCES OF 

shouted joyously amidst tlieir plunder. Separate par- 
ties, regularly detailed, sliot dowu and butcliered the 
hogs and calves — hunted and caught the poultry of 
different descriptions, which, upon a large plantation, 
form the luxury of the farmer, and are the pride and 
favorites of the good-wife and the little ones. 

In full view of this active scene stood the com- 
mander of the British force — a portly, florid, cheerful 
Englishman — one hand on each side of the doorway 
of the farm-house, where the officers were enjoying 
the abundant provisions pre])ared for the owners of 
the plantation and their friends. 

The soldiery, assisted by the dogs, in eager chase of 
the poultry, had struck down some bee-hives, formed 
of hollow gum logs ranged near the garden fence. 
The irritable insects dashed after the men, and, at 
once, the scene became one of uproar, confusion, and 
lively excitement. The officer laughed heartily at the 
gestures and outcries of the routed soldiers — the at- 
tention of the guard was drawn to this single point, 
while, at a distance, in the fields, the wagons were seen 
slowly aj^proaching with their cumbrous loads. 

The owner of the plantation had cautiously ap- 
proached, under cover, within gun-shot of his house ; 
the rest of the party, his neighbors, with equal care, 
advanced sufficiently near for the action of their rifles. 
The distress and anger of these .men were raised to the 
highest pitch by the reckless merriment of their ene- 
mies, and, in the midst of the tumult, their feelings 
overcame all the bounds of preconcerted prudence. 

" Boys !" cried one of the sturdy farmers, " I can't 
stand this — I take the captain. Every one choose his 
man, and look to yourselves." 

These words were scarcely uttered in a suppressed 
tone, but with appropriate decision of action, when 
the sight of his rifle ^vas thrown upon the full breast 
of the laughing Englishman, who suddenly fell pros- 
trate from the door-posts. 

As the smoke from the rifles rose, after their sharp 
and quickly repeated reports, the commander, nine 



THE AilEEICAN EEVOLUTION. 5T7 

men and two horses lay dead or wounded upon the 
ground. 

The trumpets immediately sounded a recall. But 
by the time the scattered dragoons had collected, 
mounted, and formed, a straggling fire, from a diffe- 
rent direction, into which the concealed scouts had 
extended, showed the unerring aim of each American 
marksman, and increased the confusion of the surprise. 

Perfectly acquainted with every foot of the grounds, 
the xVmericans constantly changed their position, giving 
in their fire as they loaded, so that it appeared to the 
British they were surrounded by a large force. 

Every ^preparation for defence, attack and retreat, 
was made with the discipline of soldiers, but the alter- 
nate hilly and swampy grounds, and thickets, with 
woods on both sides of the road leading to Charlotte, 
did not allow efficient action to the horses of the dra- 
goons. Some dismounted, others called out to " set on 
the hounds !'' against a foe scarcely visible, except from 
their deadly effects. 

The dogs, at first, seemed to take the track, and 
were followed by the soldiers. The foremost hound 
ran close upon the heels of one of the scouts, who had 
just discharged his rifle, and was in full retreat after 
his companions. But as the dog closed with open 
mouth, he was shot dead with a pistol drawn from the 
rifleman's breast. The next hound stopped at the dead 
dog, smelt at the body, gave a whining howl, and the 
whole pack retreated from the contest. 

A lars^e number of the drao'oons were shot down. 
The leading horses in the wagons were killed before 
they could ascend the hill. The road was blocked 
up. The soldiers in charge of the wagons cut loose 
some of the surviving animals, and galloped after their 
retreatincr comrades. 

The country people, early advised of the advance of 
the foraging party, mounted their horses, rifle in hand, 
from every direction ; and, occupying well protected 
positions along the main road, precipitated the retreat 
of the British into Charlotte — the survivors swearing, 

37 



578 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

" there was not a busli on the road that did not conceal 
a rebel." 

In the grave yard, at Charlotte, a large marble 
monument is inscribed as — 

" SACRED 

To the memory of Major-General George Graham, 
who died on the 29th of March, 1826, in the sixty- 
eighth year of his age. 

He lived more than half a century in the vicinity of 
this place, and was a zealous and active defender of his 
country's rights in the Revolutionary War, and one of 
the GALLANT TWELVE who clared to attack and actually 
drove four hundred Biitisli troops at Mclntire's, seven 
miles north of Charlotte, on the 3d of October, 1780. 

George Graham filled many high and responsible 
public trusts, the duties of which he discharged with 
fidelity. He was the people's friend, not their flat- 
terer, and uniformly enjoyed the unlimited confidence 
and respect of his fellow-citizens." 



COLONEL LACY. 
\^Ex(ract of a letter from Mr. W. G'dmore Simms^ 

" Dr. Moore, of Union, near Glenn's Springs, tells nie, on the 
alleged authority of General Adair, that, to Colonel Lacy, in particu- 
lar, the country is indebted for the famous victory, at King's Mountain, 
over Colonel Ferguson. He states that Colonel Ferguson being tracked 
to King's Mountain, Lacy rode post-haste himself in search of the 
mountaineers under Campbell, Shelby, Sevier and Williams ; that he 
reached them at midnight, and discovered that they had abandoned the 
further pursuit of the British — the rapidity of Ferguson's movements 
leaving them hopeless of overtaking him ; that they had already turned 
back from the pursuit, when Lacy strenuously insisted upon their re- 
suming it, and that he was one of the first to lead into the action. 

Dr. Moore also states of Lacy, on the same authority, (that of Gene- 
ral Adair) that when the American parties were pursuing the British, 
under Colonel Houk, Lacy, fearful that his own father, who was a tory, 
might convey the news of their approach to the British, despatched a 
select party of men, four in number, his own friends, by whom his 
father was seized and kept in close confinement, carefully but tenderly. 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, 579 

until tlie fight was over. Tins anecdote is singularly characteristic of 
the equal resolution and patriotism of Lacy. 

Lacy seems to have been a great favorite among his people. He 
was a man of great personal strength and address, and had for an oppo- 
nent and rival, another very remarkable champion of the times and 
neighborhood, in Colonel Bratton. Bratton was distinguished by like 
qualities of strength, courage and address. They were usually pitted 
against each other by their several partisans. Both were whigs, but 
they never met at a public gathering, without a trial of strength — a 
physical encounter. Lacy was said to have been quite too much for 
Bratton in these encounters ; and Dr. Moore hints that the partisans 
and friends of Bratton have allowed the feeling of jealousy, which this 
fact occasioned, to work some injustice and neglect to the memory of 
Lacy. To this feeling, in respect to Lacy and Adair, he ascribes the 
omission of these two names from among the toasts drank at the cele- 
bration, in 1839, of the anniversary of Houk's defeat and death." 

This coujecture may be well founded, but it is more 
probable that the name of Lacy was casually omitted 
among the many patriots engaged in that Imttle. We 
believe that the children and grand-children of such 
patriots, uniting in that celebration, could not have 
known, after the lapse of nearly sixty years, that such 
feelings had ever existed, or if known, that they would 
have been regarded. We understand, from other 
sources, that Colonel Lacy was fond of exciting scenes, 
and thus became involved in various personal en- 
counters. 

We regret that no more is as yet discovered of 
Colonel Lacy's life or previous education. Very deep 
and durable impressions are made on the minds of 
youth by early lessons in history and examples in pri- 
vate life. Mr. Sirnms justly obsei'ves — " it is a curious 
fact that our people will treasure carefully the tradi- 
tional reputation of remarkable men, without preserv- 
ing any of the details of which that general reputation 
was made." 



MAJOR JOSHUA TOOMER. 



This gentleman was a descendant of Welsh ances- 
tors on his father's side — his mother was a Bonneau, 
daughter of a French Huguenot. He and his two 



580 TRADITIONS AND REMINISCENCES OF 

brothers, Antliony and Henry, were strenuous and 
unwavering advocates for American rights, and suffered 
in common with their associates. Joshua was, at the 
commencement of the revolution, first lieutenant of a 
militia company in Christ Church Parish, of which he 
w^as a resident. The company was commanded by 
Captain Arnoldus Vanderhorst, and was stationed at 
Haddrill's Point during the battle of Sullivan's Island. 
Preceding that action, and subsequent thereto, until 
the fall of Charleston, this company was generally 
engaged in the harassing duties of patroling — guarding 
the inlets and landings, and turning out whenever 
a neighbor became alarmed at the appearance of Bri- 
tish cruisers in the offing. 

When Charleston was taken by the British, Tarle- 
ton, with his legion, immediately passed through St. 
Thomas' Parish, and took possession of the Indepen- 
dent Church at Wappetaw, on the Georgetown road, 
as a barrack ; this they afterwards burnt. Captain 
Vanderhorst having left the State previous to the 
siege, Toomer rose to the command of the company ; 
but when the British troops overran the State, his 
men were scattered, and the company virtually dis- 
banded. Captain Toomer did not, like many others, 
on this occasion, despair of the republic, but deter- 
mined to continue in arms wherever resistance could 
be made to their overwhelming power. He, accord- 
ingly, with only one of his men, James Duval, crossed 
the Santee, joined General Marion, and served under 
him during the rest of the Avar. 

Wishing to visit his family, he obtained a furlough, 
and, with a faithful servant, was proceeding on foot to 
his plantation after dark. He was startled by the 
sound of horses' feet then approaching him, and find- 
ing that the trampling became great, he concealed 
himself in a ditch. He there saw and counted Tarle- 
ton's troop of cavalry, passing by him, and soon ascer- 
tained that they had been at his ])lantation, and were 
then returning to their camp. Tarleton Avhile there 
had inquired for him, and said that he would give 



THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION". 581 

something clever to catch him— calling him " Old Tur- 
enm." This appellation had been given to Captain 
Toomer by his men and neighbors, from a convivial 
song that he occasionally sang for them at the club- 
house and their camp fires, in which the choi'us was — 

" Oh ! never, Old Turcum, I will not go yet ; 
Not yet, Old Turcum, you must not go yet." 

The very narrow escape of Captain Toomer, on this 
occasion, impressed him with the necessity for increased 
care and precaution in his subsequent visits, yet did 
not prevent such rare but occasional visits to his family. 

The hardships, difficulties and privations they encoun- 
tered in Marion's camp, (if camp it may be called,) 
were almost incredible to the present generation. To 
procure subsistence of the most ordinary sorts, was 
always attended with very great difficulty and danger, 
in wading or swimming across creeks, and bogging 
through swamps. These difficulties were increased by 
the necessity the general was under of frequently 
changing his place of encampment, to escape the dan- 
ger of alarm or surprise. Most of the time, as Major 
Toomer informed his son, the men were compelled to 
• use their saddles for pillows, and a single blanket both 
as a bed and covering. Not unfrequently, after the 
toils of the day, so sound has been his sleep on his 
mother-couch, as not to be awakened by the rain that 
fell during the night, although the only tent he had 
was the canopy of the heavens. 

Other British parties continued to march and to 
ride into Captain Toomer's plantation, carrying off 
with them cattle, horses and provisions. Mrs. Toomer 
was at last reduced to the necessity of begging for 
her own property, and, as a favor, one cow was given 
to her. She still urged that one cow could not supply 
her family, and prevailed with the commander to order 
another cow to be left her, for which she was very 
thankful. The present Dr. Anthony V. Toomer was 
then a child, but has a distinct recollection of seeing 
the scarlet-clad soldiers in his father's enclosure. 



582 TEADITIOKS AND REMrNTSCENCES OF 

Major John Vanderhorst, and his brother, Lieu- 
tenant James Vanderhorst, of the continental army, 
were the descendants of William Vanderhorst and 
Margaret McNabney, of Whitehall, in Christ Church 
Parish. Their tomb is still to be seen at that place. 
On one occasion, these two gentlemen, having obtained 
a furlough, came down with theii" kinsman, William 
Douxsaint, to their plantation in Christ Church Parish. 
They were quietly enjoying their supper, in company 
with three ladies — their re,latives — when a negro girl 
ran into the I'oom, exclaiming, that the British horse- 
men were all in the yard. They must now run for 
their lives — they had merely time to take up their 
ai-ms and hats, rush into an adjoining back-room, and 
lock the door. While the British were endeavoring 
to open or break the door, the three gentlemen leaped 
out of a back window, eight or nine feet from the 
ground. James was the last to go out, and he let 
down the sash as he was slidinsr over the sill of the 
window. The sash, m falling, unfortunately caught 
the coat-tail of Lieutenant Vanderhorst, and held him 
in an awful state of suspense — between the window 
and the ground — between heaven and earth — between 
life and death.'* He expected to be killed while so 
suspended, but when the British entered the room, 
immediately after the friends had got out of the 
window, they threw up the sash, without discovering 
the coat-tail, and thus let Vanderhorst fall near a chim- 
ney, and escape unseen. The English fired on the 
other two, as they ran into an adjoining field, and 
Douxsaint fell. The negroes in the yard seeing him 
fall when fired at, exclaimed that he was dead, that 
they saw him fall ; and the ladies of the family were 
not only much alarmed, but much distressed at the 
probable fate of their relative and friend. But they 
were comforted soon after, by being assured that Doux- 

* Unlike Absalom, Vanderhorst was hanging by his — middle — pro- 
cumbent — face downwards — hands and heels dangling tinder him, and 
uncertain how or how soon his impending danger might be terminated. 



THE AMERICAlSr REVOLUl'ION. 583 

saint had only tripped over a potatoe bed, picked liim- 
self up, and escaped unhurt. 

The tories were occasionally very troublesome, and 
to escape retaliation by being unknown, they would 
black their hands and faces, that tliey might seem to 
be negroes. Some of them went at night, thus dis- 
guised, to the plantation of Mr. George Barksdale^ 
demanded his money, and, when refused, proceeded 
from threats to deeds. By thrusting their swords into 
him, and by chops and gashes over his head and arms, 
they endeavored to extort from him a confession where 
the money was concealed, but in vain ; his firmness 
saved him and it. 

On the Georgetown road, near Whitehall, a party of 
these tories and their British allies, were attacked by 
a party of Americans, under the command of Captains 
Sinclair and William Capers. A number of them 
were killed in the charge ; some of the wounded 
escaped into the adjoining thicket, and returned to 
their homes ; but several of the most notorious were 
taken at that time, and hanged on the branches of a 
large white oak tree, growing near the side of the 
road. This tree continued to be pointed out many 
years after the revolution, as memorable for this act of 
summary justice, but it is now dead. 

One of the tory incursions was commanded by a 
Captain Perkins. At a house which they assailed, a 
timid man, named Peter Pedreau, had concealed him- 
self under a bed. Perkins went searching about, and 
thrusting his sword into the dark places, ran the point 
into the most fleshy part of poor Pedreau. He in- 
stantly exclaimed, " quarters ! Captain Perkins, close 
quarters ! close quarters !" 

Many false alarms excited great distress, for a time, 
among the mothers of families. One of these was 
spread by a timid old gentleman — J. W.— who went 
about reporting that McGirth was close at hand with 
a body of Indians. It was untrue, but it drove at 
least one family of ladies from their homes into the 
woods. 



584 TEADITIONS AND EEMLNISCENCES, ETC. 



ENGLISH FARCES. 

At the close of the American revolution, a farce 
was exhibited in a British theatre, in which all the 
ridiculous characters were Americans, and all of thera 
caricatured to suit the taste of their audience. In it 
Franklin was burlesqued as a printer, well smutted 
with ink and lamp-black ; Washington and Schuyler 
as illiterate, clownish farmers ; Greene as a blacksmith ; 
Sherman as a cobbler, and Morgan as a wagoner. After 
much merriment at their expense, some one behind the 
scenes called out aloud, " Old England was vanquished 
by cobblers and clowns." " Turn him out, turn him 
out," was vociferated from every part of the house, but 
the libeller had the address to conceal himself in the 
crowd, and escaped unhurt. The entertainment was 
not again permitted on the English stage. 

After the war between England and the United 
States, which terminated in 1815, and after the down- 
fall of Napoleon, when Alexander and other crowned 
heads were visiting England in triumph, a mimic naval 
engagement was exhibited on the serj)entine river or 
lake in the park, for the amusement of their royal 
guests and the British nation. The contest was be- 
tween a British and an American fleet. The battle 
was long and bravely contested, but terminated in the 
total defeat and capture of the Americans ; just the 
reverse oi the real battles on Lakes Erie and Cham- 
plain. The mimic victory being complete, the plaudits 
of the people were loudly vociferated. At the first 
pause in the popular outcry, some one inquired, with 
apparent naivete^ if this was not the first naval vic- 
tory obtained by the British over an American fleet ? 
All who heard the question, or heard of it, were forci- 
bly struck by the difference in result between this and 
the naval t ugagements in the war which had so lately 
terminated. 



INDEX. 



INDEX. 



Amory, Tradition of . . ^ . . 272 

Andre, Major — a Spy in Charleston, . . - 255 

Anecdo.tes, Camp - - - - - -168 

Anecdotes of a Young Volunteer, - - - - 215 

Anecdotes of John Walters Gibbs, - - - 71 

Arrest and Exile of the firm Patriots, ' - - 316 

Artillery, Ancient Battalion . _ . . 206 

Augusta, Siege of . . ^ . _ 354 

Bacot, Captain Peter — Rescue, - - - . 499 

Barnwell, Colonel Robert, - - - - - 182 

Barry, Major Harrj^, - - - - - - 277 

Battle of Beaufort, - - - - - - 2 1 1 

Do. Blackstocks, ..... 522 

Do. Cedar Spring, .... 422-516 

Do. Covvpens, - - - - - - 526 

Do. King's Mountain, - - - - - 448 

Do. Mobley's Meeting House, - - ^ - 335 

Do. Mudlick, - - - - - - 423 

Do. Musgrove's Mills, - - - - - 519 

Do. Stono, - - - - - - 224 

Do. Sullivan's Island, - - - - - 93 

Bells of St. Michael's Church, - - - - 402 

Bloody Point, - - - - - - 110 

Boone, Governor, ------ 5 

Bratton, Colonel William, ----- 335 

Broun, Captain Archibald, - - ' • ^ - 70 

Brown, Captain Tarlton, - - . - - 360 

Browne, Colonel Thomas, of Augusta, . - . 364 

Brown, William, of St. Augustine, - - - - 321 

Budd, Dr. John, ------ 325 

Bull, Governor William, and General Stephen Bull, - - 60 

Burke, Judge Edanus, .... - 429 



588 INDEX. 

Page- 
Butler, Captain James, - - - - - 3 1 1 
Butler, General William, - - - - - 426 
Butler, Major Pierce, ..... 469 

Campbell, Lord William, ----- C2 

Campbells, the other, in America, - - - - 65 

Capitulation of Charleston, ----- 261 

Charlton, Captain T. S., of the Royal Artillery, - - 314 

Charleston Artillery, - - - - - 206 

Charleston, Siege of, - - - - - 246 

Civil x\dmiuistration, - - - - - 154 

Congress of 1765 in New- York, - - - - 25 

Congress of 1774 in Philadelphia, and Autographs, - - 49 

Consequences of the fall of Charleston, . . . 265 

Cooper, Captain James, of Lee's Legion, - - - 409 

Cruger, Mrs. Colonel, at Cambridge, - - - 471 

Culpepper, John, ..-.-- l 

Culverson, Josiah, - - - - - - 425 

Curling, Captain Daniel, ----- 22 

Currency, Old Paper and Signers, - - " - 193 

Davis, Miss Eleanor — Her death, - - ' ' - 24 

Deas, John, .--..- 380 

Death of Man and Wife in the Siege, - - - 252 

D'Estaing, Count, - - - - - - 238 

DeVeaux, Colonel Andrew, - - - - - 174 

Doharty, Captain James, . _ . . - 444 

Drayton, William Ilenry, - - - - - 47 

Duel between Dr. John Haley and Delancy, - - 45 

Do. do. General C. Gadsden and General Robert Howe, 204 

Elbert, General Samuel, ----- 473 

EUington, Rev. Edward, . . . . . 382 

Elliott, Colonel Barnard, ----- 86 

English Farces, - - - - - - 584 

Exiles in St. Augustine, - - - - - 316 

Exchange and Return of Exiles, - . . - ^30 

Explosion of the Magazine, ----- 274 

Expulsion of the Patriot Families, - - - . 331 

Fanning, David and Edmund, - - - - 569 



INDEX. 



589 



Ferguson, Thomas, - - - 

Fletcher, Phebe, . - _ 

Fort Balfour taken, - - - 

Fort Johnson taken, - - . 

Fouclroyaut Guns in Charleston, 
Fraser, Majors Thomas and Charles, - 
Franks, Myer, ... 

Funerals first without Mourning, 

Gadiden, General Christopher, 
Gal phi n, George, - . - 

Gibbs, John Walters, 
Gillon, Comm. Alexander, - 
Great Britain, her power, etc. 

Ilall, Captain William, 
Hammond, Colonel LeRoy, - 
Hammjnd, Colonel Samuel, - 
Hampton Family, - - - 

Harden, Colonel William, - 
Hayne, Colontl Isaac, 
Harris, Colonel F. H. 
Hite Family, . . . 

Huger, Major Benjamin, 
Huck, Colonel, defeat of, 



Page. 

365 
313 
352 

63 

254 

3 

454 

3X5 

37 
356 

71- 
127 
391 

121 

477 
507 
442 
350 
361 
441 
458 
220 
336 



Impoverished state of South-Carolina, 
Insurrection in Albemarle, 
Irvine, Dr. Matthew, 



387 

1 

403 



James, John, - - 

Janson, pronounced Yanson, Tradition, 
Jackson, General Andrew, 
Johnson, John and William, 
Johnson, Captain Richard, - 

Kershaw, Colonel Joseph, 
Kosciusko, - - - - 

Lacy, Colonel, . . . 



171 
373 
460 

377 
504 

463 
414 

578 



r>90 INDEX. 

Page. 

Ladson, Major James, - - - - - 87 

Laurens, Colonel Henry, - - - - - 16 

Legaro, Thomas, ------ 370 

Lee, Colonel Henry, - - - - - -405 

Lewis, Rev. John, - - - - - - 321 

Liberty Tree and its Confederates, - - - - 27 

Lincoln, General Benjamin, ----- 306 

<^^«/e- ^^^ 

MacGirth, Daniel, - - - - - - 172 

McClure, Captain John, ----- 339 

l^IcNeal, Hector, - - - - - - 572 

.Maham, Colonel llezekiah, ----- 286 

Marauding in South-Carolina, . - - . 396 

Marion, General F. and his Men, - - - - 279 

Martins Family, - - - - - -311 

Martial Law by the British, ----- 270 

Massacres at Gowans Fort, etc. - - - - 419 

Massachusetts, the Cradle of the Ke volution, - - - 48 

Mfcklenburg Declaration of Independence, - - - 7G 

McJunkin, Joseph, - - - - - - 437 

Mottet, Dr. Lewis, - - - - - -235 

Moultrie, Dr. John, ------ 232 

Moultrie, General William, ----- 225 

Mountjoy Jordan, ------- 455 

Moore, Governor James, ----- 227 

Moreau, Rev. C. F. - - - - - - 383 

Naval Proceedings in the South, - - - - 113 

North-Carolina Silver Medal, - - . . 4 

Peculation of British Officers, - - - - 315 

Pennsylvania's Kindness, ----- sgg 

Pitt's Statue in CLarleston, ----- 250 

Polk, General Thomas and Sons, - - - - 82 

Powder intercepted off St. Augustine, - - - 56 

Propriety of defending Charleston, - - - . 306 

Protections, taking and breaking, - - . - 268 
Provost's Invasion, - - - -- -217 

Pulaski, Count Casimer, - . . - . 240 



INDEX. 591 

Pa?e. 

Ramsay, Dr. David, - - - - -325 

Regulators and Schofelites, ----- 44 

Remarks on the Declaration of Independence, - - 188 

Remarks on the Defence of Charleston, - - - 306 

Rhett, Colonel William, ----- 230 

Richardson, General Richard, - - - - - 158 

Richardson, Colonel Richard, - - - - - 163 

Royalists in South-Carolina — Whigs and Tories, - - 105 

Royalists in Boston, - - - - - 110 

Rutledge, Governor John, and William Joyner, - - 224 

Ryan, Captain James, . - . . . 494 

Salvador, Francis, - - - - - -143 

Savannah captured by the British, - - - . 203 

Savannah, disastrous Siege of, - - - - 238 

Sawyer — his fate, - - - - , 253 

Seizure of British Dispatches, - - - - 51 

Seizure of Powder and Anns, - - - - 52 

Seizure of Powder at the moutli of Savannah River, - 68 

Separation of North from South-Carolina, - - . 4 

Siege of Charleston, - - - - - 246 

Siege of Augusta, - - - - - -354 

Signers of Old Papoi- Money, - - - - 193 

Simons, Keating, James and Maurice, ... 094 

Situation of Charleston previous to its fall, - - - 263 

Sketches in North-Carolina, ----- 574 

Slocomb, Colonel, of North-Carolina, ... 557 

Smith, Captain John, of Maryland, - - - - 364 

Stamp Act and Commotions, - - - - 13 

Starke, Captain John, ..... 502 

Stark, Robert, - - - - - - 503 

Stuart, John, Indian Agent, ----- 1O6 

Sufferings of the Whigs, - - - - - 313 

Tarleton's Severities, - - - - -310 

Tarring „nd Feathering, ----- VO 

Taylor, Colonel Thomas and James, - - - 536 

Teltair, Edward, ----- - 200 

Thomas, Colonel John, Wife and Son, • - - 425 

Thomson, Rev. James H., - • - - - 321 



i92 



INDEX. 



Thorason, Colonel William, - - . 

Threat to the Privy Council, - 

Toomer, Captain Joshua, 

Tory Insurrection, - - - 

Treatment, etc., of the Prisoners in St. Augustine, 

Troops enlisted in South-Carolina, - 

Turnbull, Dr. Andrew, 



Page. 
90 

219 
579 
140 
317 
86 
327 



Vanderhorst, Majors John and James, - - - 582 

Violation, by the British, of the terms on which Charleston 

capitulated, - - - - - 2 G 5-3 09 



War in the South, - 
Watson, Captain Michael, 
Whigs and Tories, - 
White, Joseph F., — Letters, - 
White, Colonel Henry, 
Williamson, General Andrew, 
Williams, Colonel James, 
Williamson, William, 
Williamson, Dr. Hugh, 
Winn, General Richard, 



550 
494 
106 
347 
424 
146 
482 
275 
3 
334 



Young, Captain Thomas, of Laurens, 



446 



lEJe':3 



